Minister Heather Humphreys will not contest the next General Election.
The Cavan/Monaghan TD has served in various cabinet positions since 2014.
Since 2020 the Fine Gael TD has held the roles of Minister for Rural and Community Affairs and also the Minister for Social Protection.
The Monaghan woman is also the deputy leader of Fine Gael and has been a TD in the constituency since 2011.
Minister Humphreys said in a statement: “After much consideration I have decided not to seek re-election at the next General Election and I will step down as Deputy Leader of Fine Gael.
“I have been a public representative for the past 21 years, as a Councillor, TD and Minister. I have been fortunate to serve in Cabinet for over ten years across a range of different ministries. Whether it was leading the 2016 Commemorations; supporting businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic; enacting legislation for Auto Enrolment and Pay Related Benefit; rolling out Hot Meals to all Primary schools or supporting our rural communities, I have always enjoyed the job and I have always looked forward to coming to work every day.
“Politicians are human too; we give all we can for as long as we can but time catches up on us all. As I get older, my health and energy levels are not what they were and I know going forward that I would not be able to give the job the time and commitment it deserves.
“My good friend, the late Seymour Crawford passed the baton to me in 2011 when the wind was in the Fine Gael sails - I now want to give my successor that same opportunity. We have just had a very successful local election in Cavan-Monaghan which saw Fine Gael become the largest Party in Local Government across the two counties. The talent is here locally and now is the right time to make way for the next generation to take up the mantle.
“Fine Gael made the right choice when we elected Simon Harris as our Leader. His work-rate and commitment is extraordinary. Under his leadership, there is a new energy and excitement in the party. While the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party in the next Dáil will look a lot different, I know under Simon’s leadership, our Parliamentary Party room will be full. What is more it will be full of a new, enthusiastic generation of Fine Gael representatives who will take our Party forward into the future.
“We will retain our seat in Cavan-Monaghan and push very strongly for a second Fine Gael seat in this constituency. I will work day and night with our candidates to achieve this goal so that we can return Simon Harris to the office of Taoiseach.
“I want to thank the people of Cavan and Monaghan for putting their trust in me and electing me to Dáil Eireann. It has been the greatest honour of my life to represent you.
“I also want to thank the local members of Fine Gael for all their help and support over the years. I increased my vote in every election I ever fought – that’s because I had the best team of canvassers in the country around me locally. There are too many people to thank individually. You know who you are. You stood by Seymour. You stood by me and I know you will stand by our next TDs.
“A special thank you to my wonderful staff in Monaghan, Cavan and Dublin for their hard work, dedication and commitment – I could not have done this job without you. I also want to acknowledge and thank the many fine public servants that I have worked with across many Departments.
“Finally I want to thank my family for their patience and support over the past 21 years. While I chose to enter politics, my family did not. The stress, strain and time away from home takes its toll on everybody. I really am looking forward to spending more time with you and particularly my two beautiful little grandchildren."
