Former president Mary Robinson has been awarded one of the highest civilian honours in the US by President Barack Obama.
She received the Medal of Freedom in Washington for her work in fighting for human rights.
Mrs Robinson was one of 16 people being bestowed with the prestigious honour at a lavish ceremony in the White House, including Senator Edward Kennedy, actor Sidney Poitier and physicist Stephen Hawking.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said the award was a fitting tribute to Mrs Robinson.
"I warmly congratulate former president Mary Robinson on being awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Obama. This is the highest civilian honour awarded by the United States and it is a fitting tribute, " he said .
"Throughout her career, in particular in her role as President of Ireland and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and more recently through her work as founder of the Ethical Globalisation Initiative, Mary Robinson has been an outstanding advocate and champion for human rights and fairness for all.
"Irish people everywhere are very proud of her being honoured by this award and her many achievements during a distinguished career of advocacy," he added.
Mrs Robison was Ireland's first female President and served from 1990 until 1997.
She also worked as a United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for five years until 2002.
The Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially praise-worthy contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavours.
Additional reporting: PA