MINISTER FOR JUSTICE Alan Shatter has said that the Government will do everything it can to support the Gardaí in the investigation into the shooting dead of a teenager in Dublin last night.

A 16-year-old girl died following the drive-by shooting in Tallaght.

“All violent deaths are shocking but the killing of a young person especially so,” Minister Shatter said.

Minister Shatter said that it would “not be appropriate” for him to comment on speculation around the circumstances or motivation behind the shooting as the investigation was still in its early stages.

“The Gardaí are determined to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice – and we as a Government are determined to do everything we can to support them,” he said.

Gardaí believe the victim was sitting in the passenger seat of a parked car at Brookview Way when the incident occurred at about 10.35pm on Tuesday.

A number of shots were fired from a passing vehicle. It is understood that the 16-year-old was shot in the head.

She was taken to Tallaght Hospital but died at about 1am this morning. Her body has been removed to the mortuary for a post mortem examination. The State Pathologist has been notified.

An incident room has been set up at Tallaght Garda Station and an appeal for information has been issued. The scene has been preserved for full technical and forensic examinations.

Gardaí at Tallaght investigating the shooting have asked for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact them on 01 666 6000 or the Confidential Line on 1 800 666 111.

The Garda Commissioner is to keep the Justice Minister informed of progress in the investigation.

- Additional reporting by Christine Bohan