The Taoiseach has led tributes to TD Nicky McFadden who died earlier today.

Fine Gael made the announcement earlier. Deputy McFadden, who represented the constituency of Longford-Westmeath, died at the age of 51.

She was diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease back in 2012.

She was elected to the Seanad in 2007 and then to the Dáil in the general-election of 2011.

She had been determined to stay on in her position notwithstanding her illness, and had been tabling written Dáil questions as recently as this month.

She is survived by two adult children.

A visibly upset Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dáil this afternoon that he was devastated at her passing.