Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Our behalf of rural Independents, I add our voice to the condemnation of this most savage and horrific attack on Bastille Day. Many colleagues attended a reception at the French ambassador's residence to celebrate Bastille Day. I was unable to attend but attended the event last year. It is unbelievable to think that a celebration and joyous occasion could turn into such an atrocity. As others have said, it behoves all of us to do our best to reflect, keep calm and cool and not overreact because a person who sets out to do the maximum damage can and could do so at any time. All the security in the world would not stop it.

We need to know what affects such people and try to get an understanding of it. Above all, we must stand in support of the French people at this time. We must also offer our sympathies to the ambassador, and as many as possible should sign the book of condolences at the Mansion House in order to show our empathy. We value freedom, fraternity and democracy, and attacks such as the one in Nice do not help democracy. We express our deepest sympathy to everybody involved and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

See this speech in context