Updated 12.30

The Health minister says he has no intention of resigning.

James Reilly's comments come following calls for his resignation from Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin.

Minister Reilly is under renewed fire over his handling of the Department of Health's Budget.

However he says he is in absolutely in control of spending in his Department - dismissing the calls on him to step down:

Yesterday, Justice minister Alan Shatter came to his cabinet colleague's defense after the Fianna Fáil leader called on Minister Reilly to step down. 

Minister Shatter said Micheál Martin 'has no sense of shame and remains in denial of the impact of his party’s incompetence'.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, TD, told Newstalk's Breakfast it's a change of government that's needed, not a change of Minister:

It comes amid concerns that avings targets at the Department of Health for the next year could be adjusted up to a figure of €1 billion.

Official figures given in last week's budget show savings in health must reach €666 million - but the Irish Times says the true figure could be closer to €1 billion.

If further cuts are needed, it's feared the upgrade of maternity services in the wake of the Savita Halappanavar case and the reduction of working hours for non consultant hospital doctors (junior doctors) could be hit. 

Martin Wall of the Irish Times spoke to Newstalk Breakfast: