Irish support for victims to reach €20m

IRISH efforts at fundraising for victims of the tidal earthquake in South East Asia are expected to pass the €20 million mark this week, as people pledge financial support on Irish aid lines.

Already €7m has been donated by the public, but the final figure could yet pass the Government’s official allocation of €10m.

Volunteers at the Irish Red Cross were taking donations by telephone all weekend and reported a “fantastic” response to the appeal. The organisation has so far raised €3m.