The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has denied that speculation about the impending Cabinet reshuffle is creating instability in the Government, and has said he will announce his new team when the Dáil resumes four weeks from today.
Speaking to reporters at Government Buildings for the first time since the summer break, Mr Ahern also said it is essential to make progress in the Northern talks as the first anniversary of the Assembly elections approaches.
He said the public finances were in a better position.
The Taoiseach also acknowledged the challenges facing his Government after very poor local and European election results.
Mr Ahern said that Fianna Fáil had to get 'back on the ground', as they had given a free run to what he called 'minor parties'.
He also said that the Government would endeavour to take account of what the people had said in those elections, acknowledging that there were some sectors of the electorate who were not doing as well as others.
He added that he would be 'very disappointed' if reforms in the health service did not start producing results in the next six months.
The Cabinet met at Government Buildings today for the first time since the summer break.
Ahern admits reshuffle rumours a distraction
Arriving for the meeting earlier, Communications Minister Dermot Ahern conceded that speculation about the impending reshuffle was a distraction.
However, he said everything in life was a distraction, and that ministers were professionals who would get on with their work.
Mr Ahern said he enjoyed being in the Cabinet, and hoped he would still be in it at the end of September.
He also added to recent hints that December's Budget would be more generous than the last two, saying that with better public finances the Government could give something extra to those in need.
The minister also implicitly criticised Michael McDowell of the PDs, who recently warned that the Government might not last the full five years.
Mr Ahern said Fianna Fáil believed the Government would last the full term, and that people did not want governments 'pulled down' because politicians wanted to, they wanted politicians to govern.
Two ministries open for reshuffle
Two ministers will definitely be dropped from the new line up. The Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, is going to Brussels as European Commissioner, while Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh has announced he will be retiring.
Question marks remain over the future of a number of other Cabinet members.
