Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I express my sadness and horror at the deaths of Lorna Carty and Martina and Laurence Hayes - go ndéanfaidh Dia trócaire orthu. I know I speak for the House and the country when I say our hearts go out to all those who loved them in their lives and mourn them so deeply in death. Nothing we say or do can make up for their loss but to Declan, Simon and Hazel Carty and Sinead Hayes and the extended Carty and Hayes families we offer what is at this very difficult time our solidarity, thoughts and prayers.

I send the condolences of the Irish people to the families in the United Kingdom and across the world who lost loved ones. Equally, we stand with the people of Tunisia who feel shocked and betrayed. This attack was an act of hatred. It was a rejection of the values of respect, equality and freedom which we hold so dear. It was also an act of terror which aimed to undermine Tunisia, damage its tourism industry, spread hardship to the Tunisian people, promote extremism and destroy Tunisia’s progress towards democracy and pluralism. The Tunisian people have shown care for the dead, the injured and bereaved. It is a testament to our shared humanity, compassion and desire to live in peace and we support their efforts to achieve democracy, security and prosperity.

This morning I spoke to the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, about the murders of our own people, the British citizens and others from around the world. We will all work together to do what we can to protect the freedom and security we hold so dear. He has indicated that he has 50 people on the ground in Sousse and that they are quite willing to work in any way they can with our ambassador and personnel from Ireland who are in Tunisia.

Through the European Union, we will work with Tunisia to make sure it remains a popular, secure and peaceful holiday destination. We will also work with our partners to end the threat of ISIS, with its savagery and hatred. I assured the Prime Minister that in respect of interception of communications, we will co-operate where we can within the law.

Following Leaders' expressions of sympathy, I ask that the House joins me in a minute's silence in memory of those killed.

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