The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton is rowing in behind the Minister for Health James Reilly.
Fianna Fáil is to table another motion of no confidence in Dr Reilly over his handling of the decision to locate two primary care centres in his North Dublin constituency.
However, Mr Bruton is defending his Fine Gael Cabinet colleague, saying he has a "very difficult task" in the Department of Health.
And he says Minister Reilly is dealing with his job very effectively.
Mr Bruton said: "Fianna Fáil already tabled a motion of no confidence in the minister and that was resoundingly defeated.
"I think that people recognise that James Reilly has a very difficult task in health to deal with and I think he is dealing with that very effectively.
"He has now a team there determined to deliver a very extensive package of reforms and I think people recognise that is what he is about."
Meanwhile, the Health Minister has said he will not be rushed into decisions in the wake of the Savita Halappanavar case.
Her widower Praveen's solicitor has said he expects a response from Dr Reilly by Thursday on requests made about a public inquiry.
But the minister said he must let the two inquiries underway take their course.
He said: "Look, I absolutely respect Praveen Halappanavar's view and his right to do, through his legal advisors, as he sees fit.
"But I have to await the outcome of the internal inquiry.
"We also have now the HIQA inquiry and I will take whatever action those inquiries demand I take when they become public."