Government pledges earthquake aid

The Government today pledged €1m worth of aid for victims of the earthquake in Iran.

Tom Kitt, the Minister for Development Co-operation and Human Rights, said the assistance would be used for the rescue operation and to meet immediate humanitarian needs.

He added that the next 48 hours would be a critical period and it was essential to respond as quickly as possible to limit further loss of life and to meet humanitarian needs.

The funding, from the Development Co-operation Ireland organisation, will be channelled primarily through the Red Crescent organisation and other humanitarian agencies including the United Nations.