MS Liz O'Donnell TD, of the Progressive Democrats, has been named "Oireachtas Bookworm of the Year" by the Hodges Figgis bookshop.
The award was based on a survey of reading habits among TDs and senators during 1996, although only 20 per cent responded.
Ms O'Donnell was deemed to have a "deep and diverse interest in books, as well as a penchant for Irish writers".
She gets a £250 books voucher and a similar award will be made to St Colmcille's Senior Primary School, Knocklyon, in her Dublin South constituency.