Cork TD Dara Murphy has resigned from Dail Eireann amid controversy over his poor attendance.
Mr Murphy has been heavily criticised for collecting his €96,000 annual salary as a TD for the last two years, despite also working European People’s Party in Europe.
However, he's now set to take up a new roll in the European Commission.
In a statement released this morning, he said: "Last night, on Tuesday the 3rd of December, I met with the Acting Ceann Comhairle and gave him a letter informing him of my decision to resign my seat in Dail Eireann.
"I also met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar last night and spoke to him about my decision. I will commence a new position in the European Commission today.
"I will of course co-operate with any relevant statutory procedure that may be initiated.
"In addition, I would like to acknowledge and give thanks for the support I have received from so many people; the Taoiseach and Fine Gael Party, at local and national level; my family, and most importantly I would like to thank the people Cork North Central."
