On behalf of the Government and the Fianna Fáil Party, I wish to express our sympathy to the people of Spain on the tragic news. So far, up to 130 people are dead and as many as 400 people have been injured in three barbaric and horrendous bomb attacks. It is terrible news for the people of Spain and a great tragedy that people are still prepared to operate on that basis and to do such terrible harm and cause death to innocent people going to work. I know I express the heartfelt wishes of the people in offering our sincere sympathy to everyone concerned and I hope the people who carried out these atrocious acts will be brought to justice as quickly as possible.
Madrid Bombings: Expressions of Sympathy.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
I join with the Minister for Defence and the Government in offering the sympathy of the Fine Gael Party and the House following the appalling terrorist atrocity in Madrid this morning where over 130 people are dead and there is a mounting toll of over 400 wounded. This outrageous attack is an attack on democracy and it comes just three days before the Spanish general election. Having been in Madrid in recent weeks at a Christian Democratic international meeting, and having spoken at some length to Prime Minister, José Maria Aznar, it is obvious that his Government has taken courageous steps to outlaw and to deal with terrorism in Spain. It is appropriate that we send our sincere condolences to the Spanish Prime Minister, Government, people and, specifically, to the families of the victims.
In this country, we know something about the families of victims and about the depth of grief and feeling of loss caused by terrorist attacks. In that context, proceeding down the road to democracy has its own implications. I share the views of the Minister for Defence and the Government and extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this outrageous attack. I express the hope that the Spanish Government will continue to be relentless in its pursuit to outlaw terrorism in all its forms.
On behalf of the Labour Party, I too express sympathy to the people of Spain and, in particular, to the families who have suffered such terrible loss as a result of these terrorist bombings. On this island, North and South, we know only too well the grief, pain and suffering caused by such bombings. It is important we stand in solidarity with the people of Spain. This is an attack not only on people, but on the whole concept of democracy. It might be appropriate today that we have an opportunity to have short statements on these bombings to ensure we give due respect and regard to the fight against terrorism across the European Union where a fellow country is now experiencing the suffering and hardship many people in Ireland have suffered over time.
On behalf of the Green Party, I wish to extend our sincere sympathy to the people of Spain and particularly those who have lost loved ones in the horrific explosions in Madrid this morning. I believe that 140 people have lost their lives and the death toll is mounting by the hour. People have also suffered horrific injuries.
This year we are approaching the 30th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. The people who carried out those atrocities have not been brought to justice but it is my fervent wish that those who carried out the bombings in Madrid this morning will be brought to justice. We should have no time for terrorists, either here or abroad.
I join with other speakers in expressing sympathy to the people of Madrid, including the bereaved families and those who have been injured. While not knowing the details, whatever the reason or the cause, whoever was responsible should take note that there must be a better way.
On behalf of the Independent Members, I express my sincere sympathy to the Spanish people and Government and especially to the families of all those people who have been so cruelly murdered this morning.