merrion street

This savage and shocking attack was aimed at people simply going about their lives out for a night's entertainment. There have always been close ties between people here and in Manchester and we stand in solidarity with our neighbours in the United Kingdom at this time of great loss.

I know from speaking with the Garda Commissioner this morning that there is close liaison between An Garda Síochána and their UK counterparts about last night's dreadful events and this is taking place against the background of intensive ongoing cooperation with international security agencies.

While there has been no change to the security assessment here and no specific information about a threat to us, last night's attack is a reminder that no-one can be considered immune from those whose hatred of our values drives such evil acts.

The Garda Síochána, together with their colleagues in the Defence Forces and their international security partners, will continue to take all necessary measures to counteract such deadly threats.