Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny signalled an imminent general election as he declared parliament will not sit again until March 10.
The Taoiseach made the announcement before travelling to President Michael D Higgins' official residence, Aras an Uachtarain in Dublin, where he will formally ask him to dissolve the 31st Dail.
Mr Kenny said the new Dail, or lower house of parliament, will sit again on March 10.
It is widely expected the country will go to the polls on Friday February 26, after what will be one of shortest general election campaigns in Irish political history.