The Minister for Justice has said he sought assurances from the Garda Commissioner that there is “adequate protection for the Jewish community in Ireland”.
Jim O’Callaghan said he spoke with Justin Kelly on Sunday evening after gardaí confirmed they would step up patrols at locations and events linked to the Irish Jewish community, following the terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, reports Breaking News.
He said the issue of ensuring appropriate security measures had already been discussed “many months ago”.
He added that Mr Kelly had told both him and the Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Yoni Wieder, of “his commitment to the safety of the Jewish community”, reports Breaking News.
Mr O’Callaghan said he would attend a Hanukkah event on Monday “to sympathise and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Ireland”.
“I want to reassure them of our support in the aftermath of the appalling terrorist attack in Sydney”, reports Breaking News.
Earlier on Sunday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it was “not aware” of any Irish citizens who had been “impacted directly” by the shooting in Sydney.
In a statement issued on Sunday morning, Helen McEntee said: “Our consulate in Sydney is continuing to monitor events and will remain in close contact with Irish citizens and the community locally”, reports Breaking News.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs said she was in a state of “shock and horror” following the antisemitic attack on a Jewish community marking the first day of Hanukkah.
She said: “All my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones and the people of Australia”, reports Breaking News.
New South Wales Police confirmed that at least 16 people were killed in the attack.
President Catherine Connolly said she wished to “offer my deepest sympathy to the Jewish community everywhere at this time, mindful of the beginning of this Hanukkah period”, reports Breaking News.
“I offer these condolences on behalf of the people of Ireland to the people of Australia, especially all who have lost loved ones and those who have been injured”, reports Breaking News.
In a statement posted on X, the Taoiseach said he was “shocked and appalled” by the attack.
Micheál Martin said, “Our prayers go to the families and friends of those lost, the injured, first responders, and people of Australia at this distressing time”, reports Breaking News.
“Such hate and violence can never be tolerated”, reports Breaking News.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was “horrified” by the incident.
In a post on social media, he said: “Our thoughts are with all those impacted and their families, with the people of Australia and the Jewish community during this time of profound pain”, reports Breaking News.
“The spectre of hate and violence must never be tolerated”, reports Breaking News.
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