Latest: Halligan defends President Higgins' praise of Fidel Castro

Mr Halligan said that that while the Cuban regime had human rights violations, it also improved the standard of living.

“You have to remember where the Cuban regime came from … a terrible dictatorship of Batista, run by criminals and the mafia in America,” he said.

“So anything was better than that.

“And if you look at their health system, their education system, their numeracy and literacy, it’s quite good, and I think that’s what he was referring to.”

President Michael D Higgins has signed a book of condolence at the Cuban embassy in Dublin for former Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Writing in the book, President Higgins expressed his sympathies on behalf of the people of Ireland.

"On behalf of the people of Ireland to express their sympathies to the people of Cuba on the passing of former head of State Fidel Castro Ruiz."

He also wrote a short message in Spanish.

Here's what Michael D wrote in book of condolence for Fidel Castro pic.twitter.com/fQxMonCo6U

— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) November 28, 2016

It follows a call for the President to apologise for remarks he made in a statement following the death of Castro.

On Saturday Mr Higgins said Fidel Castro would be remembered as a "giant among global leaders" whose "view was not only one of freedom for his people but for all of the oppressed and excluded peoples on the planet".

Mr Higgins’ office yesterday insisted any suggestion that the statement neglected human rights concerns was "unwarranted".

A second book of condolence will be opened at the Mansion House by the Lord Mayor Brendan Carr from 11am.