Former Health Minister Eileen Desmond dies aged 72
Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte has paid tribute to former Health Minister Eileen Desmond, who has died at the age of 72.
Ms Desmond, a native of Kinsale in Co Cork, was first elected to the Dáil in 1965 as a Labour Party TD.
She served as Minister for Health and Social Welfare in 1981 and 82, and was also as Member of the European Parliament.
Responding to her death today, Mr Rabbitte said Ms Desmond broke new ground as one of the first women to become a Cabinet Minister.
"It was the exception rather than the rule that any woman could be elected to Dáil Eireann in 1965," he said.
"Indeed, when she became a member of the Cabinet in the early '80s, it was very exceptional for a woman to be a Cabinet minister.
"She carried out both duties with distinction and was a very dedicated party member, as well as public representative."
