The Taoiseach has led emotional tributes in the Dáil to the former Junior Minister Shane McEntee.

Mr. McEntee was a TD for Meath-East and died on December 21st last.

His wife Kathleen and children were present for the tributes from across the political divide.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney says Shane McEntee's work in that Department must be remembered.

And he says he hopes everyone reflects on the circumstances that led to Shane's death.

"I hope that we as a House, collectively, and as I say those who cover the work that we do will think about what happened - and the circumstances that drove Shane to this tragedy for him and his family" he said.

"And that we will learn some lessons from him, and his personality and his decency" he added.