Statement by Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, following Paris shootings

I am shocked and appalled by the brutal and horrific killings which occurred earlier today in Paris at the offices of the Charlie Hebdo magazine.  Our thoughts are above all with the victims and their families, but also with the people of Paris and of France.  The murder of journalists and writers at their place of work is a direct attack on the basic values of freedom of speech and of tolerance.  That this should have happened in a city and a country which for centuries have been leaders in the international struggle for human rights is a particular outrage.  On behalf of the Irish Government, I offer our total solidarity and support to our French colleagues and friends as they work to capture the perpetrators and bring them to justice.