Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together.

The attacks in Paris on 13 November were a horrific and violent intrusion on our way of life, which brutally ended 129 lives and devastated thousands more. In the immediate aftermath of those atrocities, I reiterated in the strongest terms Ireland’s continued support for, and solidarity with, France and the French people, with whom Ireland has a dynamic and historic relationship. I wrote in those terms to President Hollande, and I signed the book of condolences at the French embassy, where I met the ambassador. In this House, on 17 November, we observed a minute’s silence for the victims and I delivered a statement setting out our sympathy and our resolve to stand with France, confirming that we are united in our determination to counter the threat posed by global terrorism. The Irish public also demonstrated their sympathy and solidarity through vigils, through walks of solidarity and through letters and cards sent by individuals and by entire schools to the French embassy in Ireland and other French institutions. The ambassador attended the Dáil on 17 November and met with a number of senior officials, including the Second Secretary General of my Department to discuss follow-up actions.

European Union Justice and Foreign Ministers and leaders also discussed the attack and its consequences at their subsequent meetings. At the European Council in December, I and other Heads of State and Government took stock of progress since February, when a detailed programme of criminal justice, law enforcement and border control actions was set out. The central point of our discussions was that the EU has to deliver on the measures and priorities already agreed. Building on the work of Justice Ministers, the European Council looked at enhancing information sharing and early implementation of the passenger name record, PNR, directive. Further emphasis was placed on systematic and co-ordinated checks at external borders, which primarily concerned the Schengen area members, and a commitment to examining Commission proposals on new directives for combating terrorism and the illegal firearms trade. Proposals were also made for increasing the effectiveness of the fight against terrorist financing. Work on these issues is continuing as a matter of urgency.

Ireland has consistently called for a co-ordinated international response and a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism. In this regard, it was welcome that the European Council discussions and conclusions proposed the stepping up of engagement with partners in north Africa, the Middle East, Turkey and the western Balkans.

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