Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before I ask the Leader to respond, as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad I would like to convey my sincere sympathy and condolences to all of those who died in the appalling tragedy in Manchester last night. As someone who lived in London during the era of the Birmingham bombings and many other situations, I know the impact such events can have on a community and a country. There have been terrorist attacks in Sweden, France, Germany and Belgium in recent times. If one follows the line, one wonders whether we are absolutely protected in these situations. Le cúnamh Dé, we are. I am not too sure. I hope it will never happen here to any of our children or any person. I hope this situation could not arise. It hits home acutely to me that this has happened in Manchester, which is nearly another Irish city when one looks at the history and the connections, etc., over many years. It is very sad and tragic. I think it is an awful day. I would like to add my voice to the voices of others. Most people here today have mentioned this appalling tragedy. In my view, it was an appalling act of lunacy.