The Government tonight announced a £2.8 million aid package for Afghanistan.
The money - the biggest yet donated by Ireland for a single emergency - will help support the Irish non-governmental organisations Concern, Trocaire, Goal and Christian Aid Ireland, as well other main international agencies dealing with the current crisis in Afghanistan.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ms Liz O'Donnell, who has responsibility for overseas development assistance, said the move boosted the total aid provided by Ireland for Afghanistan so far this year to £4 million.
She added: "Last October, Afghanistan was given priority by the government as a then ‘forgotten emergency’. The tragic and appalling circumstances in which it has now been brought to world attention are the last we would have wanted.
"But the world now has a unique opportunity to deal with the human legacy of more than two decades of war and three years of severe drought in that country.
"The government and Irish people will continue their commitment to provide much-needed humanitarian assistance."
The minister said there was no reason why Ireland's resolve to combat terrorism in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the country's desire to help the poor of Afghanistan should be mutually exclusive.
PA