Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an issue we continue to raise. I had the opportunity in September in my first address to the UN General Assembly to make a particular point in condemning all forms of persecution and discrimination based on belief or religion. I specifically highlighted the persecution of Christians and other minorities in the Middle East. As was mentioned to some effect in Poland at a very poignant ceremony at Auschwitz yesterday, I raised concerns in New York in September at the unacceptable rise in anti-Semitic attacks across European countries.

We had an attack recently in Paris and an attack in Brussels last year. These attacks are a source of some concern and should be roundly attacked in every jurisdiction.