Taoiseach Simon Harris has paid tribute to the former Fine Gael Cork North Central TD and Minister of State, Bernard Allen, who has died.
Mr Allen was 79 and retired from politics in 2011.
During his political career he served as Lord Mayor of Cork, Chair of the Dáil's Public Accounts Committee and as a junior Minister.
In a statement, Simon Harris said that it was with "great sadness" that he learned of Mr Allen's death.
Mr Harris described Bernard Allen as a man with "endless reserves of wisdom and wit, who knew the perfect time to deploy the right amount of either. He was a beloved colleague in Fine Gael and beyond, a proud Corkman and a good friend".
The Tánaiste said Bernard Allen "put the interests of Cork first, whether in the Council or in the Dáil during his 30 years as a TD".
Micheál Martin said: "A very popular Lord Mayor of Cork, Bernard was a tenacious chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and an effective Minister for Youth and Sport - a portfolio he loved."
Minister of State and TD for Cork North Central, Colm Burke, described Bernard Allen as a "great friend".
He paid tribute to Mr Allen's work in developing sport infrastructure in Cork city, adding that Bernard Allen had served on the board of Sport Ireland for many years.
"Additionally, he played an important role in the creation of Munster Technological University by chairing the committee charged with its creation," Mr Burke said.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle said Bernard Allen was a "public representative of strength and stature who served the city well, helping deliver vital sporting infrastructure and also playing a leading role in the establishment of Munster Technological University (MTU)".
Bernard Allen is survived by his wife Marie and their children, Lorraine, Audrey and Deirdre.
