The Government has appointed former minister of state Mr Chris Flood as a special envoy to the tsunami-affected region of Asia. It is also in discussions with the UN about the deployment of more Defence Forces personnel to Indonesia.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern, said Mr Flood would serve there for the next six months and would send regular progress reports.
"We will drive the issue of independent monitoring of assistance to ensure that the monies donated by states are actually delivered," Mr Ahern said during a debate on the disaster, which has caused the deaths of some 280,000 people and made millions more homeless.
Mr Flood retired as a TD in 1997.
He is currently chairman of the advisory board for Development Co-operation Ireland, the Government's overseas aid wing.
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