Solidarity with Paris following the attacks - Order of Business, 17 November 2015

Solidarity with Paris following the attacks - Order of Business

17 November 2015

I join in welcoming the French ambassador. As Deputy Leader, I acknowledge the show of unity being displayed by everybody today in absolutely condemning the horrific attacks on Paris last week. They were appallingly brutal attacks on people enjoying sports and cultural life in a great city that is so well known to all of us. It really represents an attack on all of us on our doorstep in Europe. It is an attack on democracy, our way of life, our values and our civilisation. That is perhaps a summary of the sentiments that colleagues expressed today. I join with all of them in such expressions. I also have enormous sympathy and solidarity with the French people and the families of the bereaved and those who are injured. We must also remember those who were bereaved and injured in other attacks on Beirut last week, in which more than 40 people were killed, and the attack on the Russian aeroplane, which killed so many civilians.

  It is appropriate that we marked the French attacks with a minute's silence today. I remind colleagues that there is a book of condolences in the French Embassy and I was privileged to be there yesterday, along with Senator van Turnhout and colleagues from the other House, to sign it after it was signed by an tUachtarán, Michael D. Higgins. The President and the Taoiseach have expressed the sympathy and solidarity of the Irish people with the French after this horrific attack.

  I agree with colleagues who have asked for a debate in this House on the bigger context and security issues arising from those attacks.  I will certainly seek a debate on that issue in early course.

 

Following the attacks of November 13, 2015 in Paris the French Embassy in Ireland invites you to submit your messages of condolence by e-mail to jesuisparisireland@gmail.comhttp://www.ambafrance-ie.org/Paris-Attacks-condolence-messages