The Government has announced a £2.8 million aid package for Afghanistan, to support non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international agencies.
Ms Liz O'Donnell, Minister of State with special responsibility for overseas development, said the package was "the biggest ever for a single emergency" from the State.
Half of the money will go to Irish NGOs, including Concern, Tr≤caire, GOAL and Christian Aid Irl, and the remainder to international agencies.
"Along with the £1.2 million already provided since January, the package brings the total assistance provided by Ireland Aid for Afghanistan in 2001 to £4 million, the largest-ever contribution by Ireland to a particular emergency situation," said Ms O'Donnell .
"The Government and Irish people will continue their commitment to provide much-needed humanitarian assistance.
"There is no reason why our resolve to combat terrorism, in line with Security Council resolutions, and our desire to help the poor of Afghanistan, should be mutually exclusive," the Minister said.
"Last October, Afghanistan was given priority by the Government as a then-forgotten emergency. The tragic and appalling circumstances in which it has now been brought to world attention are the last we would have wanted," Ms O'Donnell said
"But the world now has a unique opportunity to deal with the human legacy of over two decades of war and three years of severe drought in that country," the Minister said.