Fine Gael has called for changes to the rules governing the appointment of ministers of state to stop TDs changing portfolios at will.
In the Dáil today, party leader Enda Kenny called for amendments to current legislation.
He referred to the controversy surrounding the recent mini-reshufle of junior minister by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
"The internal perks associated with ministerial office seem to be of more importance to Fianna Fáil backbenchers than any other issue in the country, such as the 400 patients on trolleys, job losses or accident and emergency units," he claimed.
"The country was taken aback by the extraordinary announcement by the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy de Valera, that she made an agreement with the Taoiseach on November 6th to resign her seat this December.
"If Deputy de Valera's post is not filled by Deputy Sean Haughey, then a de Valera and a Haughey will be gone in one stroke."
"I note that in the case of the Minister of State, Deputy Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher, when the going got tough, the Cope got going. It seems Ministers of State can change jobs at will."
Minister for Arts Sports and Tourism John O'Donoghue, who was representing the Government, replied: "There is no promised legislation on ministers or Ministers of State, no more than there is planned legislation to prevent the speedy rotation of Fine Gael leaders."