The Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney says the apparent spat between the Taoiseach and Health Minister has been blown out of proportion.

Leo Varadkar was rebuked by Enda Kenny yesterday, after voicing concern about budget over-runs in his department and the timeframes for major reform.

Mr Varadkar expressed doubt over the timeline for abolishing the Health Service Executive (HSE) and introducing free GP care.

His remarks were quickly dismissed by Mr Kenny, who is keen to ensure that budget dealings are kept behind closed doors. Mr Kenny also commented that there has been no decision about figures for the budget.

Government sources also made it known last night that ministers who publicly state their case ahead of budget day would get short shrift.

But speaking to the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk, Mr Coveney played down any talk of tensions between the pair.

Earlier, the Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin said he could "understand" ministers setting out their Department's cases ahead of the budget.

Mr Howlin said "detailed discussions" with each of his Cabinet colleagues are yet to begin.

But he said he could "understand" ministers looking for more funds - but that the state finances are still in the process of recovery.