Opposition parties have called on the Minister to make a full statement on why two cabinet ministers were able to announce the projects before they'd been formally approved by the HSE.

The health minister James Reilly is being called on by opposition parties to explain whether the fast tracking of two hospital projects is example of stroke politics, or whether there's a legitimate explanation.

It emerged at the weekend that Dr Reilly told the HSE to accelerate the projects at Wexford General Hospital, and St Lukes in Kilkenny.

Announcements were made about the work by Ministers Brendan Howlin and Phil Hogan before the HSE were made aware of the change.

Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail have called on the minister to explain himself, and Labour minister Ruairi Quinn said he expects Minister Reilly to brief his cabinet colleagues on the matter at this mornings cabinet meeting.

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