Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has expressed his sympathy and sorrow at the loss of life in the Asian earthquake.
Mr Ahern sent messages of condolences to the heads of government in the countries affected by the disaster.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible tragedy," he said.
"The Irish Government has made €1 million available to help the immediate relief effort and will assist in whatever way possible with the international relief effort over the coming days."
Yesterday Minister of State for Development Cooperation and Human Rights, Mr Conor Lenihan said the aid will be available for the Red Cross and Red Crescent family which is very experienced and is present on the ground through its local networks.
Funding is also to be provided if necessary for coordination of the humanitarian effort through the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and for other needs, he said.
