Outgoing HSE chief admits tensions with Health Minister

The outgoing HSE chief executive has admitted there "are tensions from time to time" between himself and Health Minister James Reilly.

Cathal Magee held a one-hour meeting with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny today, but he said he was not asked to re-consider his resignation.

Mr Magee resigned after the Government decided to put a new structure in place at the HSE, with a new director-general post instead of a chief executive.

Speaking after this morning's meeting, Mr Magee denied he had been shoved out, as the Opposition had claimed.

"My relationship with the Minister has got nothing to do with the decision that I have made," he said.

"I've had very businesslike relationships with the Minister, they're fairly robust, they're fairly frank.

"Of course there are tensions from time to time. It's a very, very difficult portfolio for the Minister. It's a very difficult portfolio for the chief executive and for the Health Service Executive."