Fianna Fáil and Sinn Fein are set to table motions of no confidence in the Health Minister.
The move – when the Dáil returns in two weeks time – will force disgruntled Labour backbenchers to obey the whip and support him.
Meanwhile, predictions from some quarters of the coalition that preparations for a general election have been activated are being played down.
Locally, Clare’s Labour TD says he regrets the resignation from the party of one of his county colleagues.
Ennis Councillor Paul O’Shea is to step down from Labour as a result of proposed health cuts, which Deputy Michael McNamara agrees are ‘unacceptable’.
However, the Clare TD feels savings can be found without having such an impact on services, and is now seeking a meeting with Minister James Reilly.
