Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Once more today, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I extend my deepest sympathy to those grieving the loss of the 17 men and women murdered in Paris in an episode that began a week ago today. To us they are artists and police officers, men and women who lost their lives, but to those who grieve they are the sons, daughters, spouses, parents, siblings and friends who for them exist now as memory and absence - who will be forever missed and can never be replaced.

Equally, I extend again my sympathy and solidarity to President Hollande and the French nation. I extend my sympathy also to members of the Muslim and Jewish faith. Both faiths were betrayed and their people mutilated by a philosophy that has no association with the goodness of God, whoever we believe that God to be.

Last week's attacks were an assault on the people of Europe and on the basic values of freedom and democracy. Freedom of the press and freedom of expression are values we hold dear in Europe. Indeed, we sometimes take these freedoms for granted. Last week's events underscored the true value of these fundamental rights and the need for deliberate efforts to protect them. Some people might criticise what is said under freedom of speech, but it must be emphasised that regardless of our differences or disagreements, violence is not the answer. As a union of peoples, we remain resolute in our determination to counter the threat posed by global terrorism and all forms of radicalism that have at their heart the desire and intention to divide, dismantle and destroy.

For me, the rally in Paris was an important display of unity and a rejection of the use of terror in the pursuit of political or religious goals. Europe and the world stood united and without fear in opposition to terrorism. As I have said, it was a demonstration of the why of the European Union. We must remain vigilant and we must remain sanguine. The comprehensive international approach that is needed should tackle the underlying causes, prevent radicalisation, share information more effectively, deter and disrupt terrorist travel and bring the perpetrators of terrorism to justice. All approaches must be consistent with international human rights and humanitarian principles and fully respect the rule of law. It is only through working with our European and international allies that we can hope to defeat the scourge of global terrorism and defend our shared values of respect, freedom, dignity and tolerance. Those who marched in support of the French people on Sunday sent those who seek to attack our way of life and divide our countries and citizens a resounding and clear message that they will never succeed.

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