Anne Enright has been named as the inaugural Laureate for Irish Fiction.

She was awarded the honour by the Arts Council at a ceremony in Dublin and will begin her three-year term this month.

The Laureate for Irish Fiction was selected following a call for nominations over the summer months and a rigorous selection process, which culminated in the work of an international selection panel.

Speaking at the event the Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "The Laureate for Irish Fiction is awarded on the basis of literary accomplishment and excellence, and is the highest honour that the Irish State can bestow on a writer in this genre. Anne Enright’s eloquent and powerful writing, fiercely individual voice and unyielding commitment to her craft combined to make her the pre-eminent choice. On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I offer her our warmest congratulations. I know it is a role she will undertake with distinction."

Speaking tonight, Anne Enright said: “The Laureateship is not about one writer, but about a series of writers stretching into the future who will each play a briefly emblematic role in Irish letters. It is a great honour to be chosen. I hope I can rise to the role, and maybe have some fun along the way. I take courage, as ever, from the readers I have met - especially in Ireland, but also abroad - who allow fiction do its deeply personal work; who let Irish writers into their minds and hearts, and welcome them as their own.”