Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has confirmed he has undergone treatment for a cancerous growth.

Mr Noonan said he had a sarcoma removed from his right shoulder last Wednesday following five weeks of radiotherapy in March and April at St Luke's Hospital.

He said: "My medical team believe the treatment has gone very well and are upbeat about the prognosis.

"There is no damage to my shoulder muscle and my risk of recurrence is low."

The minister said he had first noticed a lump on his right arm in February.

Mr Noonan, who was discharged from the Cappagh Hospital on Saturday, said he will continue to serve as a minister.