Dr Emer Holohan, the wife of the Chief Medical Officer, has died following a long illness.
She passed away peacefully at Our lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross in Dublin.
Dr Holohon is survived by her husband, Tony and two children.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has paid tribute to Emer Holohan, saying she "made a significant contribution to the health service, including her work on the Health Strategy when I was Minister for Health."
He says his thoughts and prayers are with Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, and his children.
In a statement, the Irish Cancer Society extended its sincere condolences to the family of the CMO Dr Tony Holohan on the sad passing of his wife Emer.
