Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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875. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the terror attacks in Turkey and the protest movement against these attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36989/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I was utterly appalled by the devastating terrorist attack in Ankara on Saturday, 10 October. This brutal act resulted in a tragic loss of life and wide-scale injuries. I expressed my condolences to the families of the deceased and to the people of Turkey, in a statement on 12 October and I also signed the book of condolences at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Dublin on 13 October. While at the Embassy, I asked the Turkish Ambassador in Ireland, H.E. Mr Necip Egüz, to convey my condolences and those of the Irish people directly to Prime Minister Davutoðlu.

It is clear that the situation in Turkey remains difficult, with the authorities there facing a number of serious challenges, not least in the aftermath of the 10 October attack. However, I call on all sides to exercise the utmost restraint and, in that context, I was pleased to see that the elections which took place on 1 November took place in a peaceful manner.

Officials in my Department, in Dublin and at our Embassy in Ankara, continue to follow developments in Turkey very closely.