The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has led tributes, after the wife of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan has died.
Dr Emer Holohan died on Friday following a long illness.
Mr Martin said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, and his children, Clodagh and Ronan, today following the sad passing of his wife Emer.
"Dr Emer Holohan made a significant contribution to the health service, including her work on the Health Strategy when I was Minister for Health.
"Tony and his entire family have given so much to this country since the start of the pandemic.
"At this time, I would ask for as much space and privacy to be given to them as possible".
File photo shows Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan speaking to the media at the Department of Health about COVID-19 figures. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ieSinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald also extended her condolences on the passing of Dr Emer Holohan.
She said: "I want to extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Dr Emer Holohan, and I extend my deepest sympathies to her husband Dr Tony Holohan, their children Clodagh and Ronan, to her parents, wider family and friends.
"My thoughts are with them all at this very sad time."
Dr Emer Holohan is survived by her husband, their children Clodagh and Ronan, her parents and other family members.
Dr Tony Holohan took time off from his role last July, when it was revealed that Emer was receiving palliative care.
She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma - a form of blood cancer - back in 2012.
