Paris attacks a “horrendous attack on the free world” - Kenny

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has described the Paris attacks as “an appalling and horrendous attack on the free world”.

Mr Kenny said he sent a message to the French President François Hollande, offering the sympathies of the nation to the people of France.

The Taoiseach said the assistance of the leaders of the world was available to President Hollande and Ireland stood ready to help in whatever way it could.

“This is an appalling and horrendous attack on the free world.”

Mr Kenny confirmed the need for extra vigilance and a "different kind of attitude" in Europe in dealing with threats of terrorism and acts of terrorism.

Tánaiste Joan Burton has said every country will have to re-examine security arrangements in the wake of the Paris attacks on Friday night, which she described as “not just an attack on France, but democracy in Europe”.

Speaking to Labour’s National Executive, she said: “We witnessed barbarity savagery on the streets of Paris - the cold-blooded murder of innocent people.”

She expressed her sympathies to everyone affected.

“Yes. I think it is essential we understand this is a very direct attack on democracy in Europe and in attacking France they attack everyone.

"We have open vibrant democracies in Europe with the freedom of people to move around Europe. These are freedoms that arose our of the development of the European Union out of the ashes of the second World War.

Ms Burton said democracy must be protected and it is for every country to defend that. "Ireland and all right-thinking people stand with them at this immensely difficult time.

The Tánaiste said the links between Ireland and France are extremely close and that the entire country of Ireland would stand with the people of France.

“When so many people around the world said, ‘Je Suis Charlie’ in January, we hoped in our hearts it would be a once-off event, that there would be no further attacks.

“But of course, we also knew in our heads that the chances of that were slim, that further attacks across Europe were a real and serious threat, and that policing and intelligence agencies faced a nightmarish task.

“Tragically, Paris has now been struck a second time. But France and its people stood strong in January and they will do so again in the face of this horror.

The Dáil will mark the atrocities in Paris with a minutes silence and speeches from the party leaders.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said a co-ordinated effort is needed across Europe to tackle the growing threat of terror attacks by extremist groups.

“This tragedy is an awful reminder of the security threats that we face in dealing with radical extremism.

“The European Union must reaffirm its efforts in confronting those who wish to bring terror and chaos to our communities.

“I offer my support in working towards achieving greater co-operation amongst our European partners in tackling the scourge of terrorism.”

Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams condemned the attacks and offered his sympathies to those killed or injured.

The French Ambassador to Ireland Jean-Pierre Thébault thanked people for their expressions of support. Ambassador Thébault said it has been “an horrific night and it’s now a dreadful day”.

Speaking on Newstalk radio, he said: “France and its values have been wounded on this occasion, but we are committed, we are strong and we will fight back.

“Not only will we do it as France, but we intend to do it with our allies and the population who shares the same values.” Ambassador Thébault offered his wholehearted thanks to the Irish people for their solidarity at this time.

He said people from across the country and various politicians have been in touch to show their solidarity.