Taoiseach Enda Kenny has hinted at the possibility of a reshuffle after saying he will consider the performances of ministers and ministers of state next year.
Speaking at the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting, he said he would fulfil his mandate as Taoiseach and had the zeal for life and the challenges of politics.
He added that he wanted to improve the position of the party and win back seats.
Asked about Minister of State John Halligan's position, Mr Kenny said Mr Halligan was appointed by the Cabinet and had 11 areas of responsibility.
Mr Halligan, a local Waterford TD and a junior minister at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation believes a second catherisation lab is needed at University Hospital Waterford, but a review commissioned by Minister for Health Simon Harris found that a second lab was not justified.
Mr Kenny was also asked whether he or the Independent Alliance would fill the junior ministry if there was a vacancy; the Taoiseach said if such a situation arose he would make a recommendation to Cabinet for approval.
This evening, Mr Halligan said he is remaining in Government and will continue his duties as minister.
He said he is booked out with appointments, which he will honour.
It is understood that members of the Independent Alliance have agreed to meet up in the next 48 hours.
The Fine Gael parliamentary party is meeting outside Newbridge in Co Kildare ahead of the return of the Dáil later this month.
It takes place following a politically eventful few weeks involving the Apple state aid decision, uncertainty about Mr Halligan's future in Government and calls for an inquiry into the sale by NAMA of its Northern Ireland property portfolio.
Also on the agenda is the minority Government's first budget next month.
Members will also continue the examination of the party's disappointing General Election performance.
Two reports into Fine Gael structures have found that the party must define itself as a campaigning party.
Among the recommendations are the appointment of a political director to liaise with the parliamentary party in Leinster House.
The party must improve internal party coordination and communication while it also recommends that backbenchers shadow ministers.
The report states that the executive council of the party has established a working group to review selectional conventions and has recommended that election planning is more inclusive.
The reviews are not being published today as it is understood they will be subject to further internal deliberation.
The meeting concludes tomorrow after talks on mental health and homelessness take place.
