Two advisers to President Michael D Higgins are leaving their posts and Áras an Uachtaráin is advertising for a head of communications and information.

Mr Higgins’s departing communications manager, Sarah Martin, said “some exciting opportunities” had arisen for her, while long-standing presidential media adviser Wally Young explained he was scaling back on work commitments.

The new head of communications and information post will be an “exceptional individual” who will report directly to the President, according to the advertisement.

The new recruit will be responsible for the development and implementation of all communications and information activities at Áras an Uachtaráin.

“Working for President Higgins and Sabina . . . has been an absolute privilege, however some exciting opportunities have emerged for me recently that I look forward to pursuing,” said Ms Martin.

Mr Young, who also served under president Mary McAleese, said: “As part of a plan to reduce my overall work commitments, I will complete an 11-year term as media adviser to the President next November.”

He added that it was an honour to serve under both presidents.