Minute's silence: Some 440,000 primary school children stopped lessons to observe a minute's silence at noon yesterday in memory of the victims of the Beslan tragedy.
The children gathered in classrooms and assembly halls in 3,200 schools around the State to join in sympathy with the mourning in Russia.
Many pupils returning to school on Monday were extremely upset by Friday's events, a teachers' spokesman said. "Children were coming in trying to understand what they had seen on the television. Many were asking: 'Can this happen to us? Could this happen here.' Even quite young children are aware of what happened."
A number of secondary schools also took part in the minute's silence yesterday.
A book of condolence can be signed in the Russian Embassy on Orwell Road in Rathgar, Dublin, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Books of condolence have also been opened at the Mansion House in Dublin, the City Hall in Cork and other civic offices and churches around the State.
Meanwhile aid agencies are appealing for public donations.
The Irish Red Cross is seeking funds to support the Russian Red Cross in Beslan. The money will be used to provide medical assistance, bandages and medicine, and run psychological support programmes. Donations can be made by calling 1850 507070 or by post to: Irish Red Cross, 16 Mount Merrion Square, Dublin 2.
UNICEF Ireland has been working since Friday night with hospitals near Beslan, where the majority of wounded children were taken. Credit Card donations can be made by calling 1850 767999 or www.unicef.ie. Cheques can be sent to UNICEF, 25 Great Strand Street, Freepost, Dublin 1.
