Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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155. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the attack on persons at a museum in Tunis, Tunisia. [12323/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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On the day of the attack, I made a public statement, to which I would refer the Deputy. Extracts from that statement are reproduced below.

“I condemn the vicious mass killing which took place earlier today in Tunis, targeting Tunisians and tourists alike. This attack is a deliberate attempt to undermine Tunisia's achievements since 2011 in delivering a democratic State, which reflects the aspirations and rights of all its citizens.

“I want to express my deep sympathies to the Government and people of Tunisia at this terrible time, and to urge all Tunisians to continue working together to reject extremism.

“Reports indicate that citizens of Italy, Spain, Poland and Germany are among those killed in this act of terror and I wish to express my sincere sympathies to their Governments and people, and indeed to all those who are suffering as a result of this atrocity.

“We must continue to work together for the stability of the Middle East and North Africa, and to support security and peace and address the terrorist threats to the people of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.”

I would also refer to the statement by the European Council last week, which the Taoiseach attended, which stated:

“The European Council condemns the appalling terrorist attack against Tunisia this week. The European Union extends its deepest sympathy to the victims, their families and the Tunisian people.

The European Union and its Member States will intensify co-operation with Tunisia to counter this common terrorist threat, to strengthen Tunisia's promising democracy and to assist its economic and social development.”