Ray Butler (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last night's bomb attack in Manchester was a cowardly and evil act that has taken the lives of many innocent and defenceless people who were simply going about their daily lives, enjoying a concert, and it must be condemned. Our thoughts and sympathies are first and foremost with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in this atrocity. To see the pictures of children covered in blood, looking for their parents, and parents looking for their children was horrendous. I was watching Sky News and to see the photographs of first two children who had been killed was heartbreaking.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for this attack. As it is losing its grip in other countries, is this now their cowardly way? I read recently in the press that we have between 75 and 80 of these Islamic State fighters or supporters in this country. I want to know what level of threat these people are to the State. We have concerts happening here soon and I want the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to come in and inform us of the level of threat to the Irish public and what safety measures will be put in place now that this has happened across the water.