The Garda Commissioner Drew Harris says the investigation into the deaths of three siblings in Tallaght is one of the 'worst incidents' he's ever come across.
A man in his early 20s continues to be held at Tallaght Garda station in connection with the deaths.
Twins Christy and Chelsea Cawley (both aged eight) were stabbed to death, along with their 18-year-old sister Lisa Cash, in their home this weekend.
Their brother, aged 14, managed to escape and was taken to Tallaght Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Lisa Cash (left) with Christy and Chelsea Cawley (middle and right)The siblings' mother, a woman in her 40s, has been released from hospital and is being supported by family members.
Commissioner Harris said help will be given to their staff who attended the scene.
"It's one of the worst incidents that I've heard of or come across in my service.
"We have put in place appropriate support for them, but we'd also acknowledge very much the trauma visited on the local community in terms of the shock of this incident and the subsequent grief.
"And that can't be underestimated either".
Describing it as "sincerely the most dreadful incident", he renewed an appeal for information.
"We are obviously now engaged in an investigation, and so it's limited what I can say in respect of that.
"I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Rossfield Avenue in the early hours of Sunday morning - 12.30am.
"If they haven't spoken to Garda already, they should contact my colleagues in Tallaght".
Additional reporting: Michael Dooley
