Taoiseach Micheál Martin has extended his sympathies to the family of the 2 children who died in a car fire in Co.Westmeath last Friday.
The Fianna Fáil leader was speaking on the occasion of the Fianna Fáil think-in, which takes place in Mullingar today.
Gardaí have confirmed they are launching a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 5-year-old Thelma Egar and her brother, two-year-old Michael.
Their mother, Lynn, remains in hospital.
She is in a stable condition and is expected to survive.
"We’re all deeply conscience of the terrible tragedy that happened in Multyfarnham where 2 young children, Michael and Thelma, passed away in the most tragic of circumstances. We extend our deepest sympathies to their family, classmates, and teachers at this very traumatic time".
