President Mary McAleese is to interrupt her visit to Africa to attend the funeral of former taoiseach Charles Haughey.
She is due back in Ireland on Thursday evening in time for the funeral the following day.
President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin.
Her officials are currently planing the re-arrangement of itinerary in an effort to ensure Mrs McAleese can resume her visit after the funeral.
Her 12-day trip to sub-Sharan Africa began on Sunday.
Speaking from Lesotho today, Mrs McAleese said: "It is with sadness that I have learned of the death of former Taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey. I offer heartfelt sympathy to his wife Maureen, his daughter Eimear and his sons Sean, Ciaran and Conor as they face the loneliness of his passing.
"For thirty-five years Charlie Haughey played a highly significant, central and leading role in national politics.
President McAleese
"A proud Irishman of considerable ability, charm, wit and intelligence, he was a skilled parliamentarian and an innovative legislator.
"Over the long years of his dynamic career he weathered many storms and faced more than his share of drama and controversy.
"He confronted his long final illness with much dignity, grace and courage. He was deeply loved and will be hugely missed by his family, supporters and many friends at home and abroad.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam".