Glowing tributes have poured in after the death of dedicated children’s rights advocate Norah Gibbons.
The first chair of Tusla died after battling illness and she continued to work to help others even as her health deteriorated.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said Norah made a huge contribution to public life and has left a tremendous legacy.
He added: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of Norah Gibbons.
“Norah was an exceptional woman who brought her innate judgment, common sense and humanity to everything she did.
“Norah Gibbons leaves behind a tremendous legacy, in particular for the children of Ireland.”
Ms Gibbons was the first Chair of Tusla from 2014 to 2018 and she served as Director of Advocacy at Barnardos.
She also chaired the harrowing Roscommon Child Abuse Inquiry and co-chaired the Independent Child Death Review
Minister Flanagan added: “She made a major contribution in her work as a member of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and other bodies addressing the horror of historic child abuse, both in this State and in Northern Ireland.
“During her final illness, Norah continued to work to help others, through her leadership of the independent study on familicide and domestic homicide.
“All through her life, she was a passionate and tireless advocate for children and others in vulnerable situations.”
Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone praised Norah Gibbons as a passionate and tireless advocate for children in Ireland.
She added: “Her establishment and leadership of Tusla placed children and families at the centre of Irish law, policy and public service.”
Meanwhile, Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly insisted Norah worked tirelessly for the rights of children for her entire career.
The charity chief, who said her and her colleagues felt lucky to work with her, added: “Norah joined Barnardos during the 1990s as a social worker and progressed to a senior management role with key responsibility for Children’s Services.
“She served as Director of Advocacy for Barnardos from 2005 to 2012.
“Her energy, commitment, and passion for the rights of children in Ireland changed many children’s lives for the better, and she will be remembered by many.”
Meanwhile, Tanya Ward, the the Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance posted on social media: “Deeply saddened to hear of [Norah’s] passing.
“We’ve lost one of Ireland’s most dedicated children’s rights campaigners.
“Few people share Norah’s track record in changing children’s lives.
“Robust, compassionate and generous to the end”.
The late children’s right’s advocate is survived by her husband Sean, son Miles and daughter Maireas.
