State pledges EUR1m in emergency aid to assist earthquake relief efforts

CHINA:IRELAND YESTERDAY pledged €1 million in emergency aid to help Chinese earthquake relief.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin made the pledge after a meeting with Chinese ambassador Mr Liu Biwei at his residence in Dublin, at which he offered his condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland.

Mr Martin told the ambassador that Ireland's rapid response corps could also be used as part of the relief effort if required. The corps, which is run by the Irish Aid division of the Department of Foreign Affairs, was created last year to respond to international crises.

"I am shocked and saddened by the extent of the destruction caused by this earthquake in Sichuan province," Mr Martin told Mr Liu during the meeting.

"Irish people feel a profound sympathy for the people of China at this terrible time and would like to offer their support," he added.