Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has defended his decision not to observe a national day of mourning for the Pope.
Speaking in Rome yesterday, Mr Ahern said Ireland had "probably done more than any other country" to mark the pontiff's death of Pope John Paul.
Over the six-day period, including today, "no official engagements had taken place, flags were at half mast, Government events were cancelled, the public service has time off to attend services and most schools would be closed today".
The private sector had also agreed to give people time off to attend remembrance services.
"I am confident that to have six days of official mourning was the right thing to do," he said.
However, the Pope's former private secretary, Bishop of Cloyne Dr John Magee, said was disappointed at Mr Ahern's decision. He said other countries were having "three, four, five such days, even countries such as Cuba" and was disappointed to think that commercial powers might have influenced the decision.
Churches throughout Ireland will be saying special masses to commemorate the life of the Pope and many schools across the country have chosen to close today in a mark of respect.