Statement from Taoiseach Simon Harris following a call with the Greek Prime Minister

'Last night I spoke to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to express Ireland’s solidarity with the Greek people in the face of extreme wildfires.

I also praised the heroic work of more than 700 firefighters who have for days saved lives and property by holding back the wildfires.

The European Union activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism which has seen both firefighters and equipment from across the EU deployed to Greece.

This includes two rescEU firefighting planes, a rescEU helicopter and a helicopter offered by Serbia.

Ireland contributes to the Civil Protection Mechanism to prepare in advance and help in disasters such as this.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis thanked Ireland for our solidarity and we agreed to stay in touch.'

ENDS