Chief Executive of Tusla Fred McBride is to step down from his role and leave the child and family agency at the end of next month.
In a statement, the board of Tusla said that it had been informed of his decision today.
In a communication issued to staff this afternoon, deputy chair of the board, Rory O'Ferrall, said that it had accepted Mr McBride's decision with regret.
The board thanked him for his contribution to the organisation over the past five years.
Mr O’Ferrall added that while operating against a very challenging backdrop, it was widely recognised that Mr McBride and his team had presided over a period of considerable reform in which several important milestones has been reached in the advancement of child protection, welfare and support services for families in Ireland.
Mr McBride first joined Tusla as its chief operations officer in October 2013 and was appointed to the role of CEO in February 2016 following the retirement of Gordon Jeyes.
Commenting this afternoon, Mr McBride acknowledged the work done by the 4,000 staff within Tusla.
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone has thanked Mr McBride for "his work and commitment in leading Tusla, during a time when the agency has developed significantly" and wished him well in his future career.
In a statement, Minister Zappone said: "Many challenges remain for Tusla, but with the ongoing energy of the
dedicated workforce the positive progress of the organisation will continue."
She added that the organisation's board will consider the process for the replacement of Mr McBride in the coming weeks.
