The former Labour Party TD and Government Minister, Ms Eileen Desmond, has died, aged 72.
Ms Desmond was first elected in the Mid Cork by election in 1965, following the death of her husband Dan. At 32 she was one of the youngest members of the Dáil.
She retained her seat in the subsequent general election and remained a major figure in the Labour Party and in public life until poor health forced her retirement from the Dáil in 1987.
Tánaiste, Mary Harney
Eileen also served in Seanad Éireann and the in the European Parliament and was an important member of the Labour Party delegation to the New Ireland Forum in the 1980s.
As Minister for Health and Social Welfare in the 1981 Coalition government, she was the first woman to have held a senior cabinet portfolio since the foundation of the state. The leader of the Labour Party, Mr Pat Rabitte today led tributes to the late Ms Desmond. Mr Rabitte said Eileen Desmond "was regarded with universal respect and affection within the entire Labour Movement."
He said she "was a woman of enormous personal and political courage. At all time she fearlessly followed her conscience and her political instincts. For her the determining factor was whether a position was right or wrong, not how popular it might prove with the public."
The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, said Mrs Desmond would always hold a distinctive position in Irish political history as the first woman to sit as Minister for Health.
"She was an outspoken and courageous politician who served with equal distinction in the Dáil, the Seanad and the European Parliament," Ms Harney said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with her daughters Paula and Honor and her extended family at this very sad time."
Mr Simon Coveney, Fine Gael MEP, said she had a distinguished career working for both the people of Cork and Munster over two decades.
"She served the people of Cork and Munster with distinction and she will be remembered with great fondness by her many constituents," Mr Coveney said.
Funeral Arrangements for Eileen Desmond , R.I.P. Former Labour TD, Senator and MEP
Saturday 8th - 5pm. Rosary in Forde's Funeral Home, Carrigaline.
Sunday 9th - 6pm. Removal from Forde's Funeral Home to Our Lady and St. John's
Church, Carrigaline.
Monday 10th - 11am. Funeral mass followed by burial in Crosshaven Cemetery.