The death has taken place of leading disability rights campaigner Martin Naughton, who was 62.
A native of An Spideal in Co Galway, Mr Naughton had muscular dystrophy and spent most of his childhood as a resident in St Mary's Hospital in Baldoyle, Dublin.
He went on to found the Centre for Independent Living, and two years ago led a sleep-out at Government Buildings which forced the then Fine Gael-Labour government to reverse budget cuts to the Personal Assistant scheme for people with disabilities.
Recently, he was appointed to the Government’s advisory committee on individualised funding for the sector.
Mr Naughton died in a hospice this afternoon following a brief illness.
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of disability rights activist Martin Naughton: https://t.co/wVqCRQRLLO pic.twitter.com/jM7ebDPae0
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) October 13, 2016
Read: President Higgins pays tribute to Martin Naughton
President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute, saying: "As a political activist, Martin Naughton had the vision, skills and determination to build solidarity between all those who strive for equality, dignity and the fulfilment of human rights for all groups in society, making him a valuable ally for a multitude of social justice groups.
"His struggle for equality in Ireland and internationally has been an inspiration.
"Martin Naughton will be deeply missed not just by his sisters and family but also by his wide circle of friends and supporters."
Disability rights campaigner Martin Naughton dies https://t.co/QfR9Ym6AAb pic.twitter.com/LYheUi9JI0
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 13, 2016
Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Finian McGrath, said he was deeply saddened by Mr Naughton's death.
He said he was a great campaigner for disability rights and he had appointed him to his recent taskforce on personalised budgets.
He added that Mr Naughton was also influential in his five-year plan worth €100 million to get people with disabilities out of institutions.
