Ireland gives £2.8m to Afghan refugees

The Irish Government has announced a £2.8m aid package for refugees fleeing the threat of US attacks in war-ravaged Afghanistan.

The cash will be distributed to groups like Concern, Trocaire, Goal, Christian Aid and the main international agencies working to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan population.

Afghan refugee numbers are expected to swell to around eight million in the coming weeks as the threat of US air strikes hangs over the impoverished country.