The Taoiseach says reports he was prepared to sack Shane Ross are just rumours.

Enda Kenny was responding to claims he told party colleagues he’d dismiss the Transport Minister if the Independent Alliance didn’t adhere to collective Cabinet responsibility.

A report in yesterday’s Irish Times said the Taoiseach made the comments last weekend when the alliance were still pushing for a free vote on the Eighth Amendment.

Mr Kenny wouldn’t be drawn on the report.

“I think I made quite a clear statement there, and obviously as I have said, collective Cabinet responsibility is something I’m very much in favour of and rumours about anything else are only that.”