The 57 year old from Greystones in Co Wicklow spoke frankly in a HSE ad about being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
In a statement Director General of the Health Services, Tony O'Brien said Gerry and his family made a unique contribution to the health and wellbeing of our society by working with the HSE on the QUIT campaign.
- Advertisement -
Mr O' Brien thanked Gerry for the enormous contribution he made to reducing tobacco use in Ireland.
The HSE estimates that over 60,000 people in Ireland have made a quit attempt this year, thanks to the hard hitting campaign fronted by Gerry.
Mr Collins is survived by his wife and three children.
