Coalition looks to heal rift after Magee resignation

The leaders of both Coalition parties have today spoken about the recent lack of communication following the resignation of the Health Service Executive chief Cathal Magee.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that he was informed by the Health Minister after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, while the Tánaiste said that the first he knew of it was when he heard it on the radio yesterday morning.

Minister Gilmore expressed his disquiet at the way it was handled by Health Minister James Reilly.

"I think it is regrettable that that information leaked out in that way," he said.

"I have spoken to Minister Reilly about it and I'm confident that it's unlikely that this will arise again."

The Taoiseach said that there remains a good professional relationship in the department.

"In any department you're going to have good days and not-so-good days," he said.

"In the case of the Minister for Health and his two Junior Ministers, there's a very professional relationship about the objectives that we have in mind here."