Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism Martin Cullen has been admitted to a Dublin hospital for treatment of his chronic back complaint.
Mr Cullen did not attend the Cabinet meeting this morning and is likely to stay in hospital this week, according to his spokeswoman.
His duties are being taken over by Minister of State for Finance Martin Mansergh.
Mr Cullen is expected to resign for health reasons in advance of the pending Cabinet reshuffle due to his back ailment, which has been troubling him severely in recent months.
The Waterford TD’s departure from the Cabinet will provide Taoiseach Brian Cowen with further latitude as he attempts to give his Government a fresh look.
Limited personnel changes will be accompanied with a significant restructuring of departmental responsibilities, according to Cabinet sources.