The Minister for Health James Reilly has claimed the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste were aware of his controversial move to place two primary care centres in his own constituency.

The move led to the resignation of Junior Health Minister Roisin Shortall – who’s accused him of “stroke politics”.

The Sunday Independent reports Minister Reilly has confirmed that he informed Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore last July about the decision to increase the health centre list from  20 to 35.

The list included sites in Balbriggan and Swords which are in Dr Reilly’s North Dublin constituency.

Dr Reilly has also claimed that Public Expenditure and Reform Minister, Brendan Howlin was also informed about the extra centres.