The news was revealed in Leinster House this afternoon and a replacement for the departed Justice for Minister is expected to be announced this evening or tomorrow morning.
Shatter has been under increasing pressure of late following the report by Sean Guerin into allegations made by Garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe and recent revelations that he broke the data protection laws when speaking about Mick Wallace on live television last year, with Wallace currently exploring the option of legal action against Shatter.
Although Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore recently expressed support for the beleaguered Shatter, Wallace was amongst a significant group of TDs who had called on him to resign ahead of his decision to do so this afternoon.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny will make an announcement about the replacement of Shatter in cabinet later this evening or tomorrow morning.
