The European Parliament has offered its condolences to the families of the Carrickmines fire victims and the family of Garda Tony Golden.

MEPs have started this week's sitting by remembering Garda Tony Golden who was shot and killed in the line of duty this month and the ten people who lost their lives in the Carrickmines blaze.

The vote of sympathy was raised by Midlands North West Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy and was supported by President Martin Schultz.

Speaking from Strasbourg, Carthy said:

"In light of the recent tragic deaths of the ten members of the Irish traveller community in Carrickmines and the horrific killing of Garda Tony Golden in Co Louth, I felt it was appropriate that the European Parliament would add its voice to those who have expressed sympathy with all the families concerned.

"EP President Martin Schultz agreed to extend condolences to the Lynch, Gilbert, Connors and Golden families and to record these sympathies in the record of the sitting.

"I again extend my condolences to the families of the victims at this awful time of grief and mourning."