Six days after huge waves caused widespread destruction in southern Asia, the number of dead is now put at 150,000 and still rising.
The UN says the actual death toll may never be known.
Irish diplomats are continuing their work in attempting to establish how many Irish people remain unaccounted for. The Department of Foreign Affairs is putting the figure at less than 24.
Officials are keen to stress that damage to communications systems in the region and other factors may be slowing the reduction in this number.
The Taoiseach visited the Department of Foreign Affairs Emergency Centre today to thank the staff for their outstanding work in helping to locate Irish people in the affected regions.
In the course of his visit, he announced significantly increased Government funding in response to the disaster.
He was accompanied by the Minister of State with Responsibility for Overseas Development Aid, Conor Lenihan.
Victims remembered at New Year
Countries throughout the world have been using the occasion of the New Year to remember the dead and their families.
President Mary McAleese attended the annual World Day of Peace Mass in Dublin this morning at which prayers were said for the victims and families.
Afterwards the President spoke of the desperate need for aid in the countries devastated by the disaster.
Silence was observed ahead of midnight in New York, London, Sydney and other cities around the world. In Paris, black cloths were draped along the Champs-Elysées.
On the island resort of Phuket off Thailand, a candlelit vigil was held in memory of those who died.
An official day of mourning is being held today in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. In Sweden alone nearly 3,500 people are unaccounted for following the disaster.
Aid shipments continue to arrive
Ships and aircraft with large amounts of aid have been arriving in the countries affected.
The US aircraft carrier, Abraham Lincoln, has arrived at the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and three of its helicopters have gone to the worst hit area, Aceh.
However Indonesian officials say distribution networks are still not in place to send the aid to remoter parts.
In Sri Lanka, at least ten camps sheltering thousands of survivors were hit by flash floods this morning in the eastern district of Ampara.
Donation contact numbers
The following are contact numbers for some of the aid agencies appealing for donations for the humanitarian operation in the wake of Sunday's disaster in southern Asia.
Irish Red Cross: 1850 50 70 70
Concern: 1850 410 510 / from NI 0800 410 510
Trócaire: 1850 408 408 / from NI 0800 912 1200
UNICEF Ireland: 1850 767 999 / from NI 08457 312 312
GOAL: 01 2809779
Oxfam Ireland: Lo-call 1890 60 60 65 / from NI 0845 303 0337
The Hope Foundation: 021 4292990
Disasters Emergency Committee (UK umbrella body): 0870 60 60 900
