Ireland keep a close eye on 'quake

Minister of State Liz O'Donnell, who has already announced a million pounds in aid in the wake of the Indian earthquake, said Ireland is closely monitoring the situation and will not stand idly by.

Her comments come as the 'quake death toll in the country rises to almost 15,000

"We have been in touch with our embassy in Delhi and they are monitoring events closely. Many agencies, including Concern, are sending teams out and there will probably be an EU and a UN appeal in the next few days," said Ms O'Donnell.

Three people, two men and a girl, have been pulled alive from the rubble in India after being trapped for 36 hours.

But it is feared that more than 15,000 others have not survived the disaster.

A massive rescue operation is continuing but the worst hit areas remain cut off.