Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is with great sadness that for the second time in a matter of weeks we are assembling in the Dáil to make statements on another tragedy overseas. As Tánaiste and on behalf of the Labour Party, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the families of Laurence and Martina Hayes and Lorna Carty. It is appropriate that we should mark their deaths by flying the flag at half mast over Leinster House and Government Buildings and with the opening of books of condolence in their local communities. As with the families who lost their sons and daughters in Berkeley two weeks ago, I do not think there are words to describe the pain of the families. Our thoughts must also be with the families of all the other victims of this senseless act. In particular, I extend our deepest condolences to the British Government and people. They have suffered an immense loss with the murder of 30 British holiday makers and the impact on that country will be profound.

As someone who was privileged to visit Tunisia on holiday more than a decade ago, I have a fond memory of a beautiful country and lovely people. Thousands of Irish people travel to Tunisia and elsewhere in North Africa every year. In doing so, they support local jobs and communities and help local people to earn a living through a thriving tourism industry. In turn, visitors are there to relax, enjoy the weather and surroundings and take in some of the ancient history and sights of the area.

Unfortunately, horror visited the beaches of Tunisia last Friday. We await the full details of the attack, but it is clear that it is a further senseless act of terrorism. No cause, no ideology and no purpose is served by such random killing and murder. I assure the families that the Government, through our embassy and consular staff, is doing as much as possible to return the bodies of the victims. I also echo the advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs for Irish people currently in Tunisia, or those planning to visit, to be vigilant. As an immediate priority, they should make contact with the consular service of the Department for the latest advice.

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