The French Ambassador to Ireland has defended security measures around Paris since the terrorist attacks earlier this year.
Jean-Pierre Thébault has thanked people in Ireland for their expressions of support since last night's attacks in the French capital that has left more than 120 people dead.
Speaking to Kieran Cuddihy on Newstalk this afternoon, Ambassador Thébault said it has been "an horrific night and it's now a dreadful day. The toll is increasing minute by minute, with over 200 wounded".
Ambassador Thébault says security has been extremely tight in Paris this year in the wake of the attacks in January on satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo and a kosher grocery store that left 20 dead.
"There have been huge measures taken," he explained. "There have been several projects of terrorist attack that have been prevented. But there is nothing like 100% insurance that nothing will happen".
Mr Thébault 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," he added.
The ambassador also "wholeheartedly thanked" those who have expressed their solidarity - "from the individuals I might have met personally in Roscommon, Sligo and Mayo who are sending me very moving messages... up to the President, the Taoiseach and all the ministers and deputies. It's very important, this act of solidarity".
He said this highlights the long fraternity between France and Ireland, and "the core of our beliefs... the same way we have tricolour in France and Ireland... the belief in liberté, égalité, and fraternité".
You can listen back to Jean-Pierre Thébault's full interview below:
Deputy-Mayor of Paris Bernard Jomier also spoke to Newstalk on Saturday, outlining the situation as the attacks unfolded and the pressure that the hospitals are currently under both in dealing with the injured as well as taking blood donations from people who wanted to help in the wake of the tragedy.
The Irish Embassy in Paris can be reached at 00-331-441-767-00. More information for any Irish people concerned or affected by the attacks can be found here.
