A Junior Minister at the Department of Health has refused to state her full confidence in the Health Minister James Reilly.

Attention was focused on the relationship between Minister Reilly and Roisin Shortall last week when she revealed she had learnt of the intention of Cathal Magee to resign from the Health Service Executive (HSE) through the media.

When asked about her faith in Minister Reilly this morning Minister Shortall merely stated that they need to work through the policy in relation to the future of the health service.

She was pressed on the issue a number of times but opted not to state her full faith in the top Minister at her department.

She spoke with Breakfast here on Newstalk.