The Taoiseach will chair a second meeting of key agencies and departments this morning after an emergency meeting yesterday discussed the State's response to the attacks in the US, reports Mark Brennock, Political Correspondent.
The Government has set up 24-hour phone lines for concerned relatives of Irish people living in the US.
As the Taoiseach, Tβnaiste and Opposition leaders condemned the attacks, Mr Ahern called key departments and agencies to a meeting at Government Buildings.
Today's meeting will consider whether in the light of fuller in formation any further Irish security response is required, a spokesman said.
Mr Ahern expressed shock and sadness at the attacks yesterday after a meeting with President Bush's envoy Mr Richard Haas, the Director of Policy and Planning at the State Department. The new American Ambassador to Ireland Mr Richard Egan was also present.
"On behalf of the Government, the Tβnaiste and the Irish people I would like to extend our sympathy to the President and the American people", he said.
There were many Irish people in the United States and he hoped they were all safe.
Ms Harney described the events as "a shocking catastrophe. Our hearts go out to the American people and all the Irish in America."
Fine Gael and Labour characterised the attack as an assault on democracy. According to the Fine Gael leader Mr Michael Noonan: "An attack on democracy anywhere is an attack on all of us who believe in and work the democratic system." The Labour Party leader, Mr Ruair∅ Quinn, called on democrats all over the world to unite "in their condemnation of these acts and in their determination to bring those responsible to justice".
The Green Party TD Mr Trevor Sargent said his party would support "any measures which the Irish Government can take to alleviate the suffering of survivors".