The Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Seamus Brennan, has resigned from the Cabinet.
In a letter to new Fianna Fáil leader Brian Cowen, Mr Brennan said he was taking the decision on medical advice. Mr Brennan has suffered from ill-health for the past year. Mr Cowen has accepted his resignation.
Mr Brennan's departure leaves extra space in the new Cabinet line-up, with Mr Cowen's former role as Minister for Finance, and the now vacant Arts, Sports and Tourism ministry both to be filled.
Mr Cowen is set to name his new Cabinet when he formally takes office tomorrow.
Mr Brennan was general secretary of Fianna Fáil from 1973 to 1980, before becoming a Dáil deputy in 1981. He has held a number of ministries, including Transport, Education and Social Affairs.