Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan has confirmed that he intends to continue in office, despite being diagnosed with cancer.
In a statement, Mr Lenihan confirmed that he will need chemotherapy and possibly radiotherapy after cancerous tissue was removed from the entrance to his pancreas.
He said doctors are not able to operate because the cancerous tissue is near a blood vessel.
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The Minister's health has been the subject of intense speculation since it was reported on St Stephen's Day that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Today, back at his desk after the Christmas break, Mr Lenihan issued a statement confirming that he will require treatment.
Crucially though, he says his pancreas is now functioning normally, and his doctors advise that he is fit to continue his duties.
Mr Lenihan said he will not be accepting speaking engagements during his treatment, but will continue to carry out his duties in the Department, in the Dáil, and at Cabinet.
He said he was aware of the importance of his office, and that if the position were to change, he would be the first to recognise it.
The Minister also thanked the public for their many messages of support.
Fine Gael has described as 'commendable' Mr Lenihan's statement about his illness and his determination to concentrate his energies on the Department of Finance.
In a statement, the party's finance spokesman Richard Bruton wished Mr Lenihan a full and speedy recovery.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has also extended his best wishes to Mr Lenihan.
'My thoughts at this time are with Minister Lenihan and his family. I wish him well with his treatment and hope to see him make a speedy recovery,' said Mr Adams.
