Letter of condolence to Sec. of State Dr. Rice on effects of Hurricane Katrina

31 August , 2005-08-31

Dear Dr. Rice,

I wish to offer you my deepest sympathy following the terrible effects of Hurricane Katrina in  Louisiana, Mississippi and the surrounding regions. May I offer my personal sympathy to you concerning the devastation in Alabama, your home State and a place where there are of course many important bonds with Ireland.

Irish people here at home and in the USA, are greatly saddened and moved by the loss of life, as well as the widespread effect which the hurricane has had on so many families, their homes and livelihoods.

I am grateful for the help which we are receiving from US Federal and State agencies in providing consular assistance to Irish citizens caught up in the disaster.

Yours sincerely,

Dermot Ahern T.D.
Minister for Foreign Affairs