"I am horrified and saddened by the bombings in Mogadishu yesterday in which hundreds of people were killed and injured. I condemn this cowardly attack on civilians, responsibility for which has been claimed by Al-Shabaab.

"I offer my condolences to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the people of Somalia for their grievous loss and pray for the swift recovery of those injured.

"Ireland stands in solidarity with the people and Government of Somalia as they continue the work of building peace and development for all in Somalia, challenging those who would seek to cling to power through violence and terror."