Donations flood into Irish charities

DONATIONS for earthquake-stricken Haiti flooded into Irish charities yesterday as rescue workers on the ground struggled to help survivors and deliver much-needed aid to the country.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin wrote to the UN secretary general yesterday expressing his sadness at the loss of life. He added: “The Irish Government is committed to supporting the international relief effort now being mounted under UN coordination.”

The Government is to freight 85 tonnes of emergency supplies to Haiti as part of the international aid effort. Supplies will be given to Concern and Goal for distribution to 8,000 families. The consignment includes mosquito nets, essential plastic sheeting for shelter and water tanks.