President McAleese has today expressed her sympathies to the people of Burma on the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis.
Speaking this morning, the President said that she welcomed the Government's inital pledge of up to €1 million of disaster relief.
"Ireland is anxious to assist the people of Burma in their relief and recovery efforts," said Mrs McAleese.
Emergency aid provided by the Government will be airlifted to Burma and members of the Irish Rapid Response Corps may also be dispatched to the crisis zone, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern announced yesterday.
A number of Irish aid agencies have also launched appeals for funds to help survivors of the cyclone.
Goal chief executive, John O'Shea today called on the Government to use its influence within the international community to pressure the Burmese military junta to allow in foreign aid workers.
"Goal is ready to respond to this tragedy but we can do nothing until out staff are given visas to enter Burma," said Mr O'Shea. "Goal is asking the Government to use their diplomatic clout to ensure that the vulnerable people of Burma get the assistance they require."
