Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to convey the deep condolences of the Fine Gael Party to the Polish people on the tragic plane crash last week which cost the lives of 96 people. This accident was a significant loss, particularly for the families which have lost loved ones. It was also a significant loss to Poland, taking the lives of President Kaczynski, his wife and many other leading members of the Polish state and armed forces.

President Kaczynski was a leading figure in Polish politics throughout the period since the re-establishment of democracy in 1989. Prior to that he was a long-standing activist in the Solidarity movement led by Lech Walesa and was interned in the early 1980s. His death deprives Poland of one of the fathers of its modern democratic system. I have sent a message to Prime Minister Tusk, who is a member of our own grouping in the European context. I also remember the Polish President's family, particularly his daughter Marta, who has lost both her parents.

This tragedy has been felt deeply in this country because of the close relationship between Ireland and Poland, which has grown even closer in the short six years since Poland became a member of the European Union family. In that time, more than 200,000 Polish people have come to live and work in this country, and they have made a significant contribution to our economy and lives. Their grief following the plane crash has been shared by the Irish people, as we well understand what it feels like to face adversity while living far from one's home country. I join with the Taoiseach and reiterate our solidarity with the Polish Government and its people at this painful time.

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