The Minister for Education is among those who have paid tribute to educationalist Professor John Coolahan, who has died.

Prof Coolahan was a highly respected and influential participant in the Irish education system.

In a tweet this evening Richard Bruton described Professor Coolahan as "a giant of Irish education".

John Coolahan was Professor Emeritus of Education at NUI Maynooth. He qualified as a national teacher at St Patrick's College Drumcondra before going on to achieve a Masters at UCD and an MEd and PhD from Trinity College.

I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of Prof. John Coolahan. He was a giant of Irish Education who made a huge contribution over many decades. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal dílis. — Richard Bruton (@RichardbrutonTD) June 3, 2018

He was also awarded honorary doctorates by the NUI and by DCU.

Prof Coolahan taught at all levels of the Irish education system and was heavily involved in many major policy development initiatives introduced by the Department of Education and Skills.

In 2013 Prof Coolahan chaired the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector, which recommended a process of divestment of Catholic primary schools to other patrons.

His book, 'Irish Education - History and Structure', was regarded as an indispensable reference work for teacher trainees.

At an event last September to mark the publication of its successor, 'Towards the Era of Lifelong Learning - A History of Irish Education', attendees were told that the first work had been republished every year since it was first published in 1981.

Prof Coolahan was also a passionate supporter of the arts.

In tributes this evening on social media, education figures have paid tribute to his significant contribution to education and have written of his warmth, his generosity, and his wisdom.