Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is to receive an honorary doctorate from South East Technological University (SETU), recognising his contribution to Irish politics, public service and international leadership.

The former Taoiseach is one of two recipients being honoured during the university’s autumn conferring ceremonies, alongside leading sociologist Professor Pat O’Connor.

A medical doctor by profession, Mr Varadkar was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2007 and subsequently served as a Minister across six Government Departments over 13 years.

In 2017, he became Ireland’s youngest Taoiseach, serving until 2020 before returning to the position from 2022 to 2024.

SETU says the award recognises his distinguished record of public service and contribution to Ireland’s political and civic life.

Meanwhile, Professor Pat O’Connor will receive an honorary doctorate recognising her contribution to the university and to Irish and international academia.

Professor O’Connor began her career at SETU as Course Director of the National Diploma in Child Care and went on to become the first woman appointed to a full professorship in sociology in Ireland.

Her work has contributed to discussions on gender equality, institutional inequality and social change.

SETU Chancellor Professor Patrick Prendergast said both recipients had made distinct and lasting contributions in their respective fields.

The honorary doctorates will be formally conferred during SETU’s graduation ceremonies commencing next week.