THE HOUSE stood for a minute's silence as a mark of respect to those who died in the Dunblane school tragedy, with all parties expressing sympathy.

The matter was raised on the Order of Business by the Fianna Fail deputy leader, Ms Mary O'Rourke, who said the people affected would never recover. "The darker side of human nature is constantly with us, and so it was in an unfathomable way in this event."

She knew she spoke for everybody when she extended sympathy to the parents, teachers and wider community of Dunblane, she said.

The Tanaiste, Mr Spring, said it was an horrific tragedy, almost beyond description. "No words can express the sympathy of the Irish people," he said.

The PD leader, Ms Mary Harney, said it was an unspeakable tragedy. "Words seem pointless, but I think we all want to share in the sympathy extended."

Mr Trevor Sargent (Green Party, Dublin North) said he hoped the Government's white paper on education would take into account the appeals for a review of security in schools.