The Taoisaech has described the death of Garda Tony Golden in Co Louth as a 'terrible tragedy'.
Enda Kenny says a full report into the Omeath incident will be made by the Garda Commissioner and Justice Minister.
Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan this evening visited Garda Golden's family and the scene of the shooting where he was killed, a woman was critically injured and the perpetrator was fatally wounded.
Garda Golden was responding to a domestic disturbance at a house in the Mullach Álainn estate in Omeath when he was confronted by a gunman at about 6.30pm on Sunday evening.
Investigating officers are treating the incident as a murder suicide.
24-year-old gunman Adrian Crevan Mackin was on bail from the Special Criminal Court - where he appeared last January charged with membership of a dissident republican group.
Local Councillor Mark Dearey says the area still feels the weight of the Troubles:
Mr Kenny said the tragedy highlights the "unknown quantity" that gardaí face every day.
"It's another unfortunate and tragic incident in a line of Gardaí who've given their lives to the service and profession they've chosen," he added.
Garda Commissioner, Noirin O'Sullivan, addressed the media at a press conference this lunchtime:
Local Superintendent Gerry Curley echoed those sentiments, saying Garda Golden was "a credit to An Garda Síochána" and hailed him as a man who was "meticulous in the way he went about his work".
Image: Flowers left at the scene. Image: Richard Chambers
Forensic investigators and the State Pathologist are examining the scene of the killing in Omeath, while gardaí are carrying out door to door inquiries.
Garda Golden was a 36-year-old married father of three young children, who was originally from Co Mayo.
The scene of the shooting in Omeath, Co. Louth. Photo: Niall Carson / PA Wire/Press Association Images
Garda Chaplain Fr Joe Kennedy has been visiting the Golden family at their home in Blackrock, Co Louth.
He says they are heartbroken at the loss of a loving husband and father:
Locals are remembering Garda Tony Golden as a dedicated officer and family man, who is survived by his wife and three young children - two girls and a little boy.
Scenes from Omeath, the scene of a murder suicide Sunday. All photos: Picture by: Niall Carson / PA Wire/Press Association Images
A hero gone
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald told Newstalk.com's Breakfast Show Garda Golden's death should serve as a reminder of the courage it takes to be a garda:
Meanwhile, the head of the Garda Representative Association says the force has lost a hero in Garda Golden.
Garda Anthony Golden was a married Father of three, originally from Co. Mayo but recently living in Blackrock, Co. Louth
The GRA says the fact that the man who shot Garda Golden yesterday was out on bail, is a warning to the Minister for Justice that she must take action on bail laws.
Garda Golden is the 88th member of the force to be killed in the line of duty.
The GRA is noting that the unit that attended yesterday's murder scene was the same one that responded to the shooting dead of Garda Adrian Donohoe in nearby Bellurgan three years ago.
Scenes from Omeath, the scene of a murder suicide Sunday. All photos: Picture by: Niall Carson / PA Wire/Press Association Images
Tributes
The Garda Commissioner joined the President is leading tributes to Garda Tony Golden.
President Michael D Higgins says he is appalled by Garda Golden's death:
Garda Golden was originally from Co Mayo.
His school principal at St Muredachs College in Ballina was Leo Golden - he has told LMFM that Garda Golden was a gentle giant:
