The Dáil has observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect to the victims of the terrorist attack in Tunisia.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, leading expressions of sympathy, said he wanted to express his sadness and horror at the deaths of Irish holidaymakers, Lorna Carty and Martina and Laurence Hayes.

“I know I speak for the House and the country when I say that our hearts go out to the three of them and to all those who loved them in their life and who mourn them so deeply in death,’’ he added.

“Nothing we can say or do can make up for their loss.’’

Mr Kenny said he wanted to send the condolences of the Irish people to the families in the UK and across the world who lost their loved ones.

“Equally, we stand with the people of Tunisia who feel shocked and betrayed,’’ he added.

“This attack was an act of hatred; it was a rejection of the values of respect, equality and freedom which we hold so dear.’’

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said what happened on the beach in Tunisia was a massacre, an appalling murder by fundamentalists.

“It was an attack on civilisation, as we know it,’’ he added.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said he wanted to condemn, in the most forthright way, the terrorism of the group claiming responsibility for the indiscriminate attack on holidaymakers.

Independent TD Finian McGrath, on behalf of the technical group and Independent TDs, said sincere and deepest sympathy went to the families of the bereaved.

“The slaughter of the innocent should never be an option,’’ he added.

Independent TD Denis Naughten, on behalf of other groups in the House, said it was never expected that the atrocities would come to local communities in Ireland.