Minister for Children Barry Andrews has said the coalition will last its full-term despite the resignation from the Cabinet and the Dáil of Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen because of worsening health.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Andrews said that the coalition was 'robust' and would endure.
Mr Cullen's resignation leaves two vacancies at the Cabinet table in advance of Taoiseach Brian Cowen's reshuffle.
But crucially Mr Cullen's decision to stand down as a TD further narrows the Fianna Fáil/Green Party coalition's slim majority, with three bye-elections now pending.
The Taoiseach paid tribute to Mr Cullen, expressing his deep appreciation for the efforts he had made to carry out his duties, despite what had been a very painful condition.
Fine Gael front bench spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell said she hoped Mr Cullen's resignation would aid his recovery and wished him and his family the very best in the future.
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore expressed regret that illness had forced the withdrawal of Martin Cullen from public life.
He said that while they differed on many political issues, he had always respected him as a politician and as an individual.
