Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Jan 2015

Vol. 863 No. 1

Terrorist Attack in Paris: Statements

The Taoiseach

Once more today, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I extend my deepest sympathy to those grieving the loss of the 17 men and women murdered in Paris in an episode that began a week ago today. To us they are artists and police officers, men and women who lost their lives, but to those who grieve they are the sons, daughters, spouses, parents, siblings and friends who for them exist now as memory and absence - who will be forever missed and can never be replaced.

Equally, I extend again my sympathy and solidarity to President Hollande and the French nation. I extend my sympathy also to members of the Muslim and Jewish faiths. Both faiths were betrayed and their people mutilated by a philosophy that has no association with the goodness of God, whoever we believe that God to be.

Last week's attacks were an assault on the people of Europe and on the basic values of freedom and democracy. Freedom of the press and freedom of expression are values we hold dear in Europe. Indeed, we sometimes take these freedoms for granted. Last week's events underscored the true value of these fundamental rights and the need for deliberate efforts to protect them. Some people might criticise what is said under freedom of speech, but it must be emphasised that regardless of our differences or disagreements, violence is not the answer. As a union of peoples, we remain resolute in our determination to counter the threat posed by global terrorism and all forms of radicalism that have at their heart the desire and intention to divide, dismantle and destroy.

For me, the rally in Paris was an important display of unity and a rejection of the use of terror in the pursuit of political or religious goals. Europe and the world stood united and without fear in opposition to terrorism. As I have said, it was a demonstration of the why of the European Union. We must remain vigilant and we must remain sanguine. The comprehensive international approach that is needed should tackle the underlying causes, prevent radicalisation, share information more effectively, deter and disrupt terrorist travel and bring the perpetrators of terrorism to justice. All approaches must be consistent with international human rights and humanitarian principles and fully respect the rule of law. It is only through working with our European and international allies that we can hope to defeat the scourge of global terrorism and defend our shared values of respect, freedom, dignity and tolerance. Those who marched in support of the French people on Sunday sent those who seek to attack our way of life and divide our countries and citizens a resounding and clear message that they will never succeed.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

The brutal murder of 17 people in Paris last week was an attack on freedom of expression and tolerance. As we know, cartoonists from the Charlie Hebdo magazine were among those who were killed. These innocent civilians were guilty of nothing other than availing of their freedom of expression by engaging in the long-cherished French tradition of satire. The killers also targeted French police officers who were carrying out their normal work in the line of duty. The killings left children, families, co-workers and friends in mourning for lost loved ones and colleagues. The day after the attack on the Charlie Hebdo offices, the Tánaiste attended the French Embassy to express her condolences on behalf of the Labour Party to the French ambassador, who is present here, and to pay tribute to the victims. We pay tribute to them again today as we make these statements. We are united across this democratic assembly in sending everyone who was affected by these events our deepest sympathy and support.

Last week's terrorist attacks represented an attack on all our freedoms and on everyone who believes in the values of human rights, free speech and, in particular, free journalism. France has a special heritage when it comes to rights. Today, the legacy of the French Revolution - the rights of man, or les droits des hommes - is fundamental in all modern democracies, including this one. As the great French statesman, Jacques Delors, has said, "European society has its own values that are deeply rooted in Greek democracy [and] of course, the Revolution". We have inherited those democratic traditions. That the killings took place in France carries a special significance. They constituted an attack on a country that is a beacon to the world in terms of the constitutional freedoms established there centuries ago. I refer particularly to journalistic freedoms like freedom of expression. That these attacks took place on French soil says something very profound about the motives of those who perpetrated these barbarities. The shock and horror of the barbarities wreaked on innocent people is disgraceful in itself. It is an affront to all right-thinking people. The free press is a fundamental basis for human rights and the cornerstone of democracy in Ireland, in France and everywhere.

These acts, like all acts of terror, were meant to inspire fear and horror. They were carried out in a democratic country in a gruesome way to drive home that point. Our society must reflect now, notwithstanding all the freedoms we enjoy, on how terror, with its currency of fear and loathing, can still have such purchase. It is arguable that the development of modern communications has made acts like this easier to perpetrate. We need to reflect on what that means broadly for all democratic societies. We need to think of the implications of these acts for the EU, which is a community of nations that was founded on democratic principles, particularly the principle of bringing an end to war and conflict. All European countries, to a greater or lesser extent, are countries of free movement and emigration. It appears from the brief descriptions of the perpetrators of these atrocities that they did not integrate into the true values of French society, even though they grew up in France. The ideology behind the attacks presents a real risk to the EU in so far as it is being advanced by young people who have grown up in the Union while somehow cultivating jihadi values that are alien and foreign to the values of modern Europe. The twin challenge of Europe - of inclusion and solidarity - is more relevant than ever in the wake of these outrages. Last Saturday, the Tánaiste, on behalf of the Labour Party, stood with members of the National Union of Journalists and the French ambassador in solidarity with the victims of this awful attack, conscious that an attack on journalism in one country is an attack on the free press everywhere. We in Ireland stand united with France in defence of freedom of the press and freedom of expression and against extremism and terror. We will remain steadfast in our resolve to stand there.

Deputy Micheál Martin

Ar son Fhianna Fáil agus ar son bhaill an pháirtí, ba mhaith liom i dtús báire mo chomhbhrón a dhéanamh le muintir na Fraince agus Uachtarán na Fraince tar éis na dúnmharuithe a tharla i bPáras an tseachtain seo caite. Tá sé dochreidte go bhfuil sé ar chumas daoine áirithe dúnmharuithe den saghas seo a dhéanamh ar iriseoirí, ar an bpobal i gcoitinne agus ar phóilíní. Táimid go léir aontaithe le chéile i gcoinne dúnmharuithe den saghas seo. On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I join the expression of sympathy and support for the French people at this traumatic time. The response of President Hollande and the French people to last week's brutal murders has been magnificent and inspiring. They have shown unity and a commitment to the values of free democracy. When the Taoiseach attended last Sunday's march, he was not just representing the Government, he was representing all the people of this country. We are proud of our historic and long-established relationships with France and the values we have shared over many generations. The thousands who marched in Dublin, Cork, Galway and elsewhere gave eloquent testimony to our solidarity with the people of France and the families of the victims.

There is no possible justification or mitigating factor for these brutal killings, which were the work of people who can only be described as evil. Those involved have decided they have the right to impose their fundamentalist interpretation of the world on us all. They are seeking to wipe away centuries of progress towards tolerance and respect for religious freedom and freedom of speech, not just in Europe but throughout the world. As we can see from the grotesque vision of society imposed in the areas under the control of ISIS, these people are opposed not just to freedom of speech but also to basic concepts of liberty.

Let no one be in any doubt that the killers and their supporters represent no one but themselves. They have absolutely no right to claim they speak on behalf of Muslims. There are 1.8 billion Muslims in the world, nearly one quarter of the population on this planet. These extreme fundamentalists do not represent them, and the Muslim community has a right not to be judged by the actions of those who carry out such barbaric actions.

In Ireland we should understand this better than most. In very recent memory, there were those who carried out campaigns of murder and intimidation claiming to represent the people of Ireland even though they were rejected time and again by the people in free elections. We had a right to object when some tried to taint all Irish people with their actions, and the same principle applies to Muslims today. In fact, just as Irish people were the primary victims of the illegitimate campaign here, it is Muslims who continue to be the primary victims of these extremists.

The reign of terror of ISIS in Syria and Iraq and the areas of other countries under the control of different extreme fundamentalists shows frightening levels of brutality and repression on a daily basis. This extreme fundamentalism is a unique force in the modern world and democracies have a right and a duty to defend themselves against it. These fundamentalists have shown us how far they will go in trying to impose their values on us and we must be resolute in response. It is clear that security agencies are struggling with this task and we should support a more comprehensive and assertive strategy. We must do this in full co-operation with other democracies. We must also state that every citizen has a duty to help where he or she can. The role of the citizen is essential in making sure that these networks have nowhere to hide.

In doing this, we must always remember that we have core values that must not be compromised. We cannot defend freedom and democracy by undermining them in our own societies. We should note the leadership taken in Germany by President Gauck and Chancellor Merkel in fighting the attempt by some to find scapegoats and abuse tragedies for political purposes.

Reports concerning the possible use of Ireland by terrorist networks are of great concern and should be taken very seriously. The Government should make a statement in the House on what actions are being taken so that we can all ensure that the necessary resources will be provided to track and disrupt such networks.

The development of a more multicultural society is something that has enriched us and the entirety of Europe. It is the wish of the overwhelming bulk of people to live together peacefully and respectfully. This includes being willing to respect the right of others to say things with which one disagrees and to use peaceful and legal means to settle disagreements. The extremists who committed these atrocities were attacking the foundations of democratic societies. They were not just attacking Charlie Hebdo, the police and innocent shoppers. Their attacks were not just on France. They were on universal values that we hold as fundamental. In light of this, it is right that today we stand with the people of France and commit ourselves to standing with them and other democratic countries in tackling this scourge.

Deputy Gerry Adams

Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a dhéanamh le clanna na ndaoine a maraíodh i bPáras an tseachtain seo caite. Chuir sé déistin orm nuair a chonaic mé na himeachtaí ar an teilifís. Caithfimid uilig seasamh go láidir in aghaidh na n-ionsaithe seo.

On behalf of Sinn Féin, I want to extend my sincerest sympathies to all the victims of last week's dreadful attacks in Paris and their families. I want to extend to the ambassador and the people of Paris and France our solidarity at this very difficult time. Cuirim fáilte mór roimh. France and Ireland enjoy a good relationship, not least in our revolutionary histories and the values we share. Irish people, like people throughout the world, watched in shock and revulsion as the brutal events in Paris unfolded. Families were robbed of loved ones - sons, daughters, spouses, colleagues, workmates, parents and siblings. This weekend saw millions of ordinary people in Paris and France as well as countless others around the world, including in Ireland, make a courageous stand against fundamentalism. They were also making a stand against those from either the extreme right or left, be they fundamentalists, bigots, racists or homophobes, who seek to impose by violence and intimidation their values on others.

But part of the tragedy of the modern world and of what happened in Paris is that many other barbaric acts are ignored by the international community, particularly the Western powers. Ionsaithe úafásacha a bhí ann a chuaigh in aghaidh na saoirse. Tá saoirse tábhachtach d'achan duine ach tá go leor daoine, iriseoirí san áireamh, ar fud na cruinne nach bhfuil saoirse acu. Caithfidmid aird a thabhairt ar na rialtais seo a diúltaíonn saoirse cainte do dhaoine.

Sadly, the mass slaughter of perhaps 2,000 men, women and children in northern Nigeria by Boko Haram attracted little mainstream media attention. The car bomb attacks last week in Sana'a in Yemen, which killed 35 people, and in Aleppo in Syria, which killed 14 people, did not attract the same level of media coverage and international condemnation. While we think of the victims in Paris, Nigeria and Syria, let us also remember the 2,000 people, mainly civilians, including 500 children, and the 13 journalists who died during the Israeli assault on Gaza last summer. The deaths of journalists, cartoonists and satirists in Paris have provoked justifiable outrage, which we share. But so, too, must the deaths of 61 journalists who were killed on duty in Ukraine, Iraq and Syria.

Something that said a lot about the spirit of the people of France was that there was a degree of understandable scepticism about some of the condemnations of the Paris attacks by governments whose own records of defending freedom of the press, killing and imprisoning journalists or using political censorship left much to be desired. Many French opinion makers quite rightly drew attention to those leaders who could demonstrate their commitment to freedom of speech by opening the prison gates for the journalists they were holding.

Whatever the colour of our skin, our religion, our race or our gender, there can be no excuse for the actions that occurred in Paris or elsewhere in recent weeks. Wherever injustice, oppression, racism or attacks take place on religious minorities or where anti-Semitism, Islamophobia or sectarianism exists, they must be confronted and challenged. So, too, must poverty, injustice, inequality, discrimination and racism. The Taoiseach represented the people of this island. It is our responsibility to join with those citizens who courageously took to the streets in defiance of murder and threats and to make a stand. That means going beyond rhetoric. We have a duty to understand what happened and the differences that divide us. I note and commend the French President's warning that last week's horrific attacks should not be an excuse for attacks on Islam or the rights of Muslims.

We need to be alert to the dangers of fundamentalism of all kinds. This means actively working for and investing in processes of education, information and dialogue that can overcome prejudice and, in the spirit of tolerance, mutual respect and equality, get us to understand our differences.

Our sympathy and solidarity is with the families of those who died and the people of France. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam dílis.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The next speaking slot is being shared by Deputies Clare Daly and Wallace.

Deputy Mick Wallace

I, too, would like to extend my sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in such terrible circumstances in Paris. There is no excuse for the horror that was inflicted on them.

I will quote Mr. Juan Cole, an American novelist who wrote about the incident. He wrote:

The killings in Paris were an appalling offence to human life and dignity. The enormity of these crimes will shock us all for a long time.

He continued:

But the suggestion that violence by self-proclaimed Jihadists is the only threat to liberty in Western societies ignores other, often more immediate and intimate, dangers. The US, the UK, and France approach statecraft in different ways, but they are allies in a certain vision of the world, and one important thing they share is an expectation of proper respect for Western secular religion. Heresies against state power are monitored and punished. People have been arrested for making anti-military or anti-police comments on social media in the UK. Mass surveillance has had a chilling effect on journalism and on the practice of the law in the US. Meanwhile, the armed forces and intelligence agencies in these countries demand, and generally receive, unwavering support from their citizens. When they commit torture or war crimes, no matter how illegal or depraved, there is little expectation of a full accounting or of the prosecution of the parties responsible.

There is talk of President Obama hosting a meeting to fight terror in the United States. However, this is the same President who killed seven people last week in a drone attack in Pakistan. He has also bombed seven predominantly Muslim countries in his time in office. That, too, is terror. The Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Netanyahu, marched against terror with the French people in Paris last week, but he slaughtered 500 children in Gaza last summer. The attack in Paris is not the first threat there has been to free speech and democracy. The only person in prison for the CIA's abominable torture regime is the whistleblower, John Kiriakou. Edward Snowden is a hunted man after divulging information about mass surveillance. Chelsea Manning is serving a 35-year sentence for her role in the WikiLeaks revelations. They, too, are blasphemers, but they have not been universally valourised, as have the cartoonists.

Nothing could ever excuse what happened in Paris, and we will never forget what was done. However, we must examine how the world operates today. We must take stock of the fact that the militarisation of many parts of the world is horrific. The torture being inflicted on people in different locations is horrific. We need to look to and address the source of the sickness we saw last week. As part of this, we must fight any efforts by large powers to militarise the world any more than it is already.

Deputy Clare Daly

I join colleagues in condemning unreservedly the appalling murder of 17 French citizens last week, an act for which there was no justification whatsoever. It was an absolutely indefensible act. As other Deputies have noted, it was, sadly, not the only act of indefensible violence that took place last week. We also saw the slaughter in the most vicious circumstances of 2,000 African citizens by Boko Haram. Nor was it the only act of indefensible violence carried out against journalists or artists. We should recall the 12 journalists murdered by the Israeli defence forces in Gaza last year, people whom the Israeli Foreign Minister described as terrorists who hold cameras and notebooks. I do not recall any outcry or demands for the defence of free speech and democracy in those instances. In fact, I take it as quite an affront that among those who gathered on the boulevards of France last week were persons responsible for those actions and who now seek to paint themselves as being on the side of the French people and the victims of this atrocity.

If we are genuinely to mourn the victims of the horrific murders in France, we have a responsibility to respond in a balanced way. There is no point in decrying the rise of Islamic extremism while saying nothing about the circumstances that gave rise to such extremism. There is no point in ignoring the fact that the US invasion of Afghanistan was one of the key motivators for the emergence of these groups. In an interview given under a pseudonym some years ago by a United States Air Force major, he made the following observations:

[When] I was in Iraq, we routinely handled foreign fighters, who we would capture... In their eyes, they see us as not living up to the ideals that we have subscribed to. You know, we say that we represent freedom, liberty and justice. But when we torture people, we're not living up to those ideals. And it's a huge incentive for them to join al-Qaeda. You also have to kind of put this in the context of Arab culture and Muslim culture and how important shame, the role of shame is in that culture. And when we torture people, we bring a tremendous amount of shame on them. And so, it is a huge motivator for these people to join al-Qaeda...

That is how things look to the people in those countries which are on the receiving end of the so-called war on terror.

We must be balanced and measured in our response. I believe in freedom of expression and human rights, which is why I equally condemn the use by President Obama of the Espionage Act, for example. We must be on guard against knee-jerk reactions which result in greater state powers to patrol liberty. We should bear in mind that the perpetrators of this crime were known to the surveillance forces. Surveillance of itself is no solution. In fact, what will make the world a better and safer place is non-intervention.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy Dara Murphy)

I join the Taoiseach, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and other speakers in conveying my sympathies to the people of France. The horrific attacks on Paris last week touched everybody deeply in Ireland, across Europe and throughout the world. It was a trauma for the French people, Europeans collectively and everybody who values democracy and freedom. I take this opportunity, in a totally unqualified fashion, to convey my deep sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims of the attacks, the French people and the French community in Ireland.

I spoke last Wednesday to my French counterpart, the Minister for European Affairs, Harlem Désir, who was due to be in Ireland last Thursday and Friday. Of course, he instead remained in Paris for the national day of mourning. The programme we were due to conduct in Cork showed the richness of Ireland's relationship with the people of France in cultural, business and academic terms. While atrocities, unfortunately, take place all over the world, we have a special relationship with France through our membership of the European Union. As such, these events touch us in a different measure.

The French ambassador, Jean-Pierre Thébault, is here with us this evening. I acknowledge the great leadership he has shown at this difficult time for the French people living in Ireland. We will work with our European and international allies to defend our shared values of respect, freedom, dignity and tolerance to counter the scourge of global terrorism. As the Taoiseach stated, there is need for a comprehensive international approach that will tackle the underlying causes of terrorism, prevent radicalisation and ensure there is more effective sharing of information. No nation in Europe has managed to embody the shared identity of Europe and its people - the values of liberté, égalité and fraternité - as France has done. We must all stand with her people at this very sad time.

Members rose.