Officials from the Irish Embassy have arrived in Turkey to talk to police and assist in making arrangements for the repatriation of the remains of 17-year-old Tara Whelan who was killed in yesterday's bomb attack on a minibus in the tourist resort of Kusadasi.
Tara, who was 17-years-old and from Kilmeaden in Co Waterford, was on a package tour with her friends and had completed her Leaving Certificate last month.
It is understood her friends were not travelling on the bus that was attacked.
The Tánaiste, Mary Harney, has condemned the attack, saying it was 'a wanton act of mindless violence' that had visited unimaginable tragedy on Tara’s family.
Prayers were said in churches across Waterford today for Tara. The Mercy Secondary School in Waterford City will open tomorrow to offer support to students and staff following the tragedy.
On Tuesday the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, will meet the Turkish Foreign Minister to discuss the security and safety of Irish people in the region.
No group has admitted carrying out the attack but it is widely suspected that an extremist Kurdish group was responsible.
Four other people including a British woman were also killed.
Turkish police have increased security at resorts.
Police no longer believe the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber. It is understood the device was left under one of the seats on the minibus.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, last night condemned the bombing, saying such terrorists have no place in society.
Meanwhile, the Government has warned all Irish citizens in Turkey, or those planning to travel there, to exercise caution and to be vigilant at all times.
