Irish Red Cross aid expert for Indonesia

The Irish Red Cross plan to send a delegate to Indonesia in response to a call for experienced aid workers from the International…

The Irish Red Cross plan to send a delegate to Indonesia in response to a call for experienced aid workers from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Mr Daire O'Reilly will start work as an emergency co-ordinator when he arrives in Aceh, Indonesia, one of the areas most devastated by the tsunami.

Previously the 29-year-old Dubliner has worked in Kosovo, Liberia and Palestine for the Red Cross.

Mr O'Reilly's main tasks will involve the delivery of food, medical supplies and household items to people whose homes were destroyed by the earthquake.

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Meanwhile, Irish aid agency GOAL called on the Government to support the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Ahern's, initiative to send the Irish Army to assist the flood victims of South Asia.

According to GOAL's Chief Executive, Mr John O'Shea, the move by the Government would "demonstrate real leadership in the international community".

"Ireland should take the lead in sending its army to assist in the hope that other nations will follow suit," he said.

"Those people fortunate enough to survive the tsunami do not have the luxury of time on their side and essential life-saving interventions are required today," Mr O'Shea added.

The offices of the Irish Red Cross at 16 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, have been open all this week to people who wish to make a donation.

Anyone who wishes to give a donation from their home can do so by credit card either online at www.redcross.ie or by calling CallSave 1850 50 70 70 or by post to the Irish Red Cross at 16 Merrion Square,

Credit card donations can be made to UNCIEF Ireland by calling 1850 767 999 or online at www.unicef.ie or by post to UNICEF, Freepost, 25 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1. Donations can also be made through UNICEF's AIB bank account, number 24070037, sort code 93-33-84.