Fine Gael TD and former education minister Joe McHugh has announced that he will not seek a nomination to stand in the next general election.
The Donegal TD said he wants to be around his three children more as they grow older.
He was first elected to the Dáil in 2007 after serving as a member of Seanad Éireann from 2002 to 2007.
Mr McHugh, 50, who previously served as government chief whip and gaeltacht minister said he remains committed to the Mica redress issue.
"I will continue to work in the Dáil, and with my council colleagues on this crucial issue, as well as all the other issues affecting Donegal," he said.
Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar paid tribute to Mr McHugh as a "hard-working member of Fine Gael and Dáil Éireann".
He said: "I am very sorry to hear that Joe will not be contesting the next General Election but having discussed it with him, I understand his reasons.
"It was an honour as Taoiseach to appoint him to the office of Chief Whip and Minister for the Gaeltacht and subsequently as Minster for Education.
"Joe is one of the most compassionate and kindest people in a profession that is often far from kind."
