The Health Minister says there is no basis whatsoever for reports he is on the verge of resigning.

Reports this morning suggested James Reilly had offered his resignation last week and was persuaded to stay until after the local and European elections.

The rumours were fuelled by the Minister going home sick on the day that news broke of Alan Shatter's resignation, and his subsequent withdrawal from public engagements on Friday.

James Reilly told reporters this morning he was amused by the rumours, and he restated his commitment to health: