Brian O'Shea, the former long-serving Labour Party TD for Waterford, has died.
Mr O'Shea, who was aged 81, was first elected to the Dáil in 1989 having served as a senator for the previous two years.
He was appointed a minister of state at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in 1993.
The following year he moved to the Department of Health where he was junior minister with responsibility for disability, public health and food safety up until 1997.
In 1985 he was elected to Waterford Corporation, Waterford County Council and Tramore Town Commissioners.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik described Mr O'Shea as a thoughtful, considered and respected politician, inspired by public service and committed to politics as a noble profession.
"I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Brian's wife Eileen and their children Christine, Anne, Paddy, Siobhán, John and Mary, as well as to his extended family and many friends and colleagues on his passing," she said.
