First woman High Court justice dies, aged 71
She became the first female appointee to the court in 1980 and served on it until her retirement last November.
Ms Justice Carroll also chaired the high-profile Commission on Nursing and was a judge of the administrative tribunal of the International Labour Organisation in Geneva.
Prior to her appointment to the High Court, she was a chairperson of the Bar Council.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern sent his deepest sympathies to her family and friends on behalf of the Government and said she served with great distinction.
“On a sad occasion such as this, it is important to acknowledge her inestimable contribution to public life,” he said.
“She has given decades of service to the Irish people.”
Mr Ahern added that she brought great credit to the country when serving as an international judge and jurist.
“Her involvement with the Commission on Nursing and the Council for the Status of Women enabled Irish society to benefit from her wisdom, and sense of fairness and justice,” he said.
Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney described Ms Justice Carroll’s contribution to Irish life, over a wide range of areas, as extraordinary, and said she will be deeply missed.
“Her achievements were immense and among her many attributes, she was a superb role model for women in Ireland,” Ms Harney said.
“During her very distinguished and long career as a judge, she was president of the International Association of Women Judges.
“She was one of the first women to make such a significant impact on the Irish legal world and beyond.”
The report of the Commisson on Nursing was described by Ms Harney as the road map for the vital changes which have been taking place in the profession in Ireland.
Ms Justice Carroll was also the Chancellor of Dublin City University.
