Statement by Minister Flanagan on the loss of flight MH17 in Ukraine

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, TD, made the following statement on the loss of flight MH17 in Ukraine:

'I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the crash of flight MH17, and the sudden loss of almost three hundred lives. My thoughts are with the families of all those around the globe who lost their lives in this tragic incident.

'Sadly, we have learned that one Irish-born citizen was on board the flight to Kuala Lumpur. On behalf of the Government and people of Ireland, I would like to convey deepest sympathies to her family, both in Ireland and Australia, who have suffered this sudden and devastating loss.

'I spoke to her family earlier today to convey my sincere condolences. I assured them that my Department is available to provide any assistance they may require over the coming days and months.

'Ireland fully supports calls for a full, independent international investigation to establish the cause of this grave tragedy and to ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice. I encourage all authorities involved - and the parties to the conflict in the Ukraine - to work together, to ensure that the hundreds of families who have been bereaved can get the answers they need.

'The scale of this tragedy is overwhelming, particularly for the people of the Netherlands who lost more than 180 citizens. To their families, and to all those affected around the globe, we offer our heartfelt sympathies.

'We are continuing to monitor the situation closely through our embassies in Prague and The Hague'.