Buttimer: Reilly 'the gardener that planted the flowers which will bloom'

The chairman of the Health Committee says he believes history will be kind to the former Health Minister James Reilly.

Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer says new Health Minister Leo Varadkar will bring something different to the role and he looks forward to working with him.

However, deputy Buttimer says in time, James Reilly will be seen as having done a good job in a difficult ministry.

Mr Buttimer said: "I believe James Reilly has been a very good Minister for Health. I think in time he will have been seen as the gardener that planted the flowers which will bloom.

"I think Leo Varadkar will come with a different style and approach and I look forward to working with both of them."