Former Labour TD Mervyn Taylor has died at the age of 89, with President Michael D Higgins among those paying tribute to the "democratic revolutionary".
Mr Taylor was first elected to Dail Eireann in 1981 for Dublin South-West and made history by being the first Jewish government minister.
Taylor was the founding minister of the equality and law portfolio, a position he held until retirement in 1997 while he also played a crucial role in passing the divorce referendum.
President Michae D Higgins paid tribute to his friend saying: "The death of Mervyn Taylor represents the passing of an icon in the struggle for equality.
"A founding figure in the movement for equal access for all citizens before the law, he would go on to become the founding Minister of the Department of Equality and Law Reform. I was honoured to share a building with him on Mespil Road.
"His colleagues in the Labour Party will miss a comrade of the utmost principle, steadfastness, courage and courtesy."
Labour Party leader, Alan Kelly paid tribute to his party colleague and said: "Mervyn drove forward so many changes in the law, and it is long and notable list of Acts that is a testament to his record of public service."
Tanaiste, Leo Varadkar described the former Dublin TD as an inspiration during his formative years and played a key role in his own path into politics.
Mervyn Taylor leaves behind his wife, Marilyn Taylor, three children and eight grandchildren.
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