The Minister for Health Mr Martin, has moved to quash reports of a rift between himself and the Minister for Finance Mr McCreevy, over health spending.
Reports in yesterday's newspapers alleged that Mr McCreevy had sent a strongly worded letter to Mr Martin about the way the health service was being run.
But speaking today at the launch of a €24 million accident and emergency unit in Cork University Hospital, Mr Martin said the letter was standard correspondence between two departments. He also maintained all current health funding was secure.
"What was written at the weekend was old news quite frankly. Normally we go through a budgetary process prior to estimate. He (Mr McCreevy) has his job to do and I have mine and we have a very good professional relationship and a good personal relationship as well. I can't be responsible for the construct people put on things."
Mr Martin said it was important to note that even in this tight fiscal year the Department of Health has received significant resources.
Meanwhile, building got underway yesterday at Cork University Hospital on a new A & E and day procedures unit.
The existing A&E department at the hospital was only designed to cater for almost half the number of patients now attending.