Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in expressing our deepest condolences to the relatives of all those people who lost their lives in this horrendous act of terrorism in Tunisia. We think in particular of the Irish people, Lorna Carty and Larry and Martina Hayes from Athlone who have family connections in my town of Ballinasloe, so it very much brings home to us the awful event that happened in what should have been a lovely, peaceful setting for people who were enjoying a break, and in some cases recovering from illness.

The atrocity was deeply disturbing. The terrorist act has its origins in bad political decisions made by super powers down through the years. At this stage we need to stand in solidarity with the people of Tunisia, whose economy will be seriously damaged and dented in the coming years. As a country and as members of the European Union, we must do everything possible to stick together and help them through this difficult time.

International terrorism is a difficult challenge to address. We probably need to have a longer discussion on the issue at a future meeting but today we remember those who have lost their lives and we remember the people of Tunisia who are facing a very uncertain future.