The death has taken place in France of Stephen Joyce, grandson of James Joyce and the last direct descendant of the writer.
He had been the principal trustee of the Joyce estate.
Stephen Joyce was a graduate of Harvard university and worked for the OECD until his retirement.
He had been extremely protective of his grandfather's estate and legacy, although his role was curtailed in 2012 when much of the copyright on James Joyce's work expired.
Stephen Joyce was 87 and was predeceased by his wife Solange. The couple had no children.
In a statement released this afternoon, President Michael D Higgins said Stephen Joyce was "deeply committed to what he saw was the special duty to defend the legacy of the Joyce family in literary and personal terms.
"This was not a task carried out in harmonious circumstances at all times with those seeking to engage with James Joyce's life and works.
"Stephen had recently become an Irish citizen and in our last conversation he expressed his appreciation to all of those who had assisted in the processing of this.
"To his relatives and friends Sabina and I express our deepest sympathy," added Mr Higgins.
