The Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan has decided not to go ahead with his secondment job at Trinity College Dublin.
In a statement, he says he intends to retire as CMO with effect from the 1st of July.
This is to allow the Department of Health enough time to advance the process of appointing his successor.
He won't be proceeding with the Professor of Public Health Leadership and Strategy role at Trinity and says he doesn't wish to see the controversy of the last few days continuing.
"My strong belief is that this was a significant opportunity to work with the university sector to develop much needed public health capacity and leadership for the future" he said in his statement.
He then thanked Trinity College and the Provost for their support in establishing the role.
He added "Following my departure, I look forward to sharing my knowledge and expertise outside of the public service"
