The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has joined world leaders in offering his condolences to the people of Munich.

Enda Kenny said that once again Europe’s values of freedom have been “attacked by cowardly and brutal acts”.

Mr Kenny said Irish people stood in solidarity with Chancellor Angela Merkel and Germany, “as we did with France, at this difficult time for our shared Union”.

Ms Merkel is expected to chair a meeting of her government’s security council today in the wake of the shooting.

President Michael D Higgins said he had spoken to the German Ambassador to Ireland directly today to offer his sympathies on this tragic loss of life.