merrion street

The Minister for Children, Francis Fitzgerald, today visited the Irish community in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she expressed the solidarity and support of the Irish Government and people for the one thousand three hundred strong community following the earthquake which struck the area on February 22nd of this year.

The Minister also announced an Irish Government emergency welfare assistance of €20,000 for the Irish community badly affected by the earthquake. The funds will be administered by the Irish Community Associations in Christchurch.

Minister Fitzgerald then met with the family of one of the Irish victims of the earthquake, John O'Connor. The Minister conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government to the O’ Connor family, many of whom had travelled from Kerry for Mr O'Connor's funeral service.

While in Christchurch the Minister met with New Zealand Minister for Economic Development and Earthquake Recovery, Mr Gerry Brownlee, the first such meeting with the New Zealand Government.

Minister Fitzgerald's visit to New Zealand followed her five day visit to Australia where she marked the occasion of St Patrick's Day, and her programme included economic, tourism and Irish community related events. The Minister also met with the Australian Minister for Schools, Early Childhood and Youth, Mr Peter Garrett.