The Minister for Finance says he has been treated for cancer.

Michael Noonan underwent treatment last week to have a sarcoma removed from his shoulder.

The 71-year-old minister said he had noticed a lump on his right arm, near the shoulder, in February.

The lump was diagnosed as a sarcoma - which is a malignant form of cancer - which had to be removed.

The Minister underwent five weeks of radiotherapy in March and April at St LUke's Hospital in Rathgar to shrink the sarcoma, which was then removed at Cappagh Hospital in Finglas last Wednesday. He was discharged on Sunday.

In a statement tonight the minister said his medical team were upbeat about his prognosis. They said the treatment had gone well, that there is no damage to his shoulder muscle, and that his risk of recurrence is low.

The minister thanked the staff of both hospitals where he was treated, and says he will continue to serve as Minister for Finance at the discretion of the Taoiseach.