Minister of State at the Department of Education Síle de Valera steps down from her position today.
Ms de Valera, a granddaughter of former taoiseach Éamonn de Valera, represents the Clare constituency. She announced a year ago that she would not be contesting the next general election after almost 30 years in politics.
There was controversy when it emerged that she was not to step down from her junior ministry immediately.
Dublin North Central Fianna Fáil TD Seán Haughey is favourite to replace Ms de Valera.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is expected to announce Ms de Valera's replacement next Tuesday after bringing a nomination to Cabinet. There is strong expectation that the position will go to Mr Haughey, who was disappointed when he wasn't promoted by the Taoiseach last February following the resignation of minister of state Ivor Callely.
The promotion went to Meath TD Mary Wallace.
In a radio interview at the time Mr Haughey said he was going to "reflect" on his future in politics and he spoke about his hurt at the way he had been treated, saying he had it from sources close to Mr Ahern that he was in line for promotion.
Two other northside Dublin TDs - Pat Carey and Jim Glennon also expressed their unhappiness at the way Mr Ahern - had handled the matter.
Later, Mr Haughey had what he described as a "satisfactory" meeting with Mr Ahern.