James Reilly says he is an "integral" part of the government amid speculation he could be dismissed from Cabinet.

The Fine Gael deputy leader is likely to be one of the casualties in the cabinet reshuffle that will take place after the next Labour leader is elected.

Minister Reilly was in the Dáil, responding to Fianna Fáil complaints that he was not doing enough to deal with hospital waiting lists.

They also criticised his handling of overcrowding in A&E units.

He says the entire government is committed to fixing the health service - and he is a key part of it.

The Minister also said if anyone was responsible for the crisis in emergency departments, it was Fianna Fáil.