Former senior forensic scientist at the Garda Technical Bureau Dr James Donovan has died.
Dr Donovan died in Tallaght hospital at the age of 80.
He was a key witness in the trial of a man convicted of involvement in the murder of Lord Louis Mountbatten and three other people, including a 15-year-old boy, who died after his boat was blown up by the IRA in Co Sligo in 1979.
He also suffered serious life-changing injuries in 1982 in a car bomb attack carried out by the criminal Martin Cahill, who was known as 'The General’.
He continued to work for another 20 years after the incident and retired in 2002.
Dr Donovan was born in Co Cork in 1944 and studied science in Ireland, England and the UK before joining the civilian branch of An Garda Síochána as a forensic scientist.
He developed and progressed the use of forensic evidence in the investigation of crime.
The Minister for Justice described him as a great servant of the State and a groundbreaking director of Forensic Science Ireland.
"Through a very dark time in our country’s history, his scientific work and fearless evidence was crucial to the prosecution of some of the most notorious criminals of the day," Jim O' Callaghan said.
"He suffered life altering injuries in a bomb attack in 1982 - and indeed lifelong pain ever since - but determinedly continued his work up to his retirement more than 20 years later," he added.
The minister extended his deepest sympathy to Dr Donovan’s wife Mary and his former colleagues in FSI and An Garda Síochána.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris paid tribute to Dr Donovan.
He said Dr Donovan was "at the forefront of establishing forensic science as a key part of crime investigation in this country".
"Dr Donovan was a leading expert in his field, overcame threats and survived a murder attempt to continue to do his vital work.
"This demonstrated his incredible determination and commitment to the pursuit of justice.
"Jim was a key witness in hundreds of court cases, giving forensic evidence that helped secure numerous convictions."
Mr Harris said Dr Donovan will be sorely missed by all in An Garda Síochána.
