The Taoiseach has signalled a possible reshuffle of Ministers as early as next year.

Enda Kenny did not express his confidence in Junior Minister John Halligan today when asked by reporters to do so.

Speaking at the start of the Fine Gael think-in, he repeated his calls for all ministers to get on with the jobs they were assigned to do.

And the Taoiseach says he will review the performance of ministers next year: “I want to see people deal with the responsibilities that they have.

” And next year as I always do, I will consider the question of performance for the Ministers and Ministers for state.

“My mandate is one that I am not going to walk away from.

“I will of course reflect on the make-up of the Government and the Ministers of state next year that is part of my responsibility also.”

Meanwhile, it has emerged the Government Chief Whip has weekly contacts with Independent TD Michael Lowry – despite no formal deal being in place. 

The vote of the Tipperary TD was secured to elect Enda Kenny as Taoiseach, and can be necessary when Fianna Fáil is abstaining. 

Before the election Enda Kenny promised he would not do a deal with Michael Lowry to support a minority government. 

Speaking at the Fine Gael think-in which is taking place in Kildare, Regina Doherty revealed she meets regularly with Deputy Lowry. 

“I have communications with everybody of my magic 59 on a weekly basis.”