James Reilly has discussed several options with advisors should he lose his job as Minister for Health.
According to a report carried in The Irish Times, Dr Reilly wants to stay in his position, but he has talked with his advisors about other options including resigning his Dáil seat.
The Minister has been under pressure over the medical card controversy with backbenchers calling for him to be moved to a different Ministry in July's Cabinet resuffle.
James Reilly has warned there is no room for any more cuts– however, it appears there is a plan for a further €650 million of potential further savings within the Department and the HSE.