The HSE has confirmed its Director General Tony O'Brien will step down tomorrow.
It comes in the wake of the Cervical Check scandal, which has prompted calls from opposition TDs for Mr O'Brien to resign.
In a statement, the HSE said: "Mr O’Brien said that he has made his decision in order to avoid any further impact to the delivery of health and social care services, and in particular the cancer screening services that have become the focus of intense political debate in recent days.
"He said, notwithstanding the clear communication failures surrounding the CervicalCheck Audits, he is confident that the Scally Review will demonstrate the quality and value of the CervicalCheck Programme once it is complete."
The decision is in effect from close of business on Friday.
Health Minister Simon Harris met with Mr O'Brien this evening.
Minister Harris said: “I would like to express my thanks to Tony O’Brien for his many years of dedicated public service.
"I know that he is standing down from his role today because he believes it is in the best interest of rebuilding public confidence in the wake of the issues which have arisen in CervicalCheck."
