Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn has laughed off speculation that he is to be moved in a Cabinet reshuffle and told a teachers’ conference in Kilkenny he wants to return as Minister next year.

Addressing the Irish National Teachers Organisation annual conference this morning Mr Quinn noted this was his fourth annual teachers' in a row, and expressed his wish to return for a fifth.

Afterwards Mr Quinn shrugged off a question about reports of a Cabinet reshuffle, smiling but saying nothing, when asked for a comment.

Media reports have suggested Taoiseach Enda Kenny is planning to reshuffle the Cabinet after the European and local elections.

Mr Kenny may be forced into a reshuffle due to the potential departure of Minister for State Brian Hayes, who is standing for election to the European Parliament, and the possibility that Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan may be nominated for a job with the European Commission.