A prayer service has been held in Dublin city centre for the victims of Tuesday's balcony collapse in California.
It comes as the families of the six Irish students who died in Berkeley begin preparations to bring their loved ones home.
The American Ireland fund has donated US$100,000 (€87,780) to help the families of those who have died and those who are injured in hospital.
In a statement, the Fund says: "The tragedy in Berkeley, California has had a profound effect on the Irish at home and around the world. The task of meeting the needs of the families and friends of the bereaved and injured is urgent."
"In this regard, The American Ireland Fund announced this morning that it will make a donation of $100,000 to support those who are providing care and assistance on the ground, in particular the San Francisco Irish Pastoral Centre."
The American Ireland Fund is a philanthropic network that supports worthy causes in Ireland and around the world.
The dead and injured were remembered at St Ann's Church on Dawson Street in the capital this afternoon.
Reverend David Gillespie asked those gathered to keep the victims in their thoughts and prayers.
An online book of condolence is in operation at University College Dublin (UCD) - where many of the victims studied - while another opened at the Mansion House in Dublin at 10am today.
President Higgins was the first to sign the book in Dublin. He says the families of the victims must carry a great burden of grief.
VIDEO: President & his wife lead those signing a Book of Condolence for #Berkeley victims, more @TodayFMNews at 12 pic.twitter.com/Qho4LZetI1
— Helen Vaughan (@HelenVaughan24) June 18, 2015
Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke, President of Ireland Michael D Higgins with his wife Sabina signing the book of Condolence in the Mansion House in Dublin this morning. Image: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland
These Dubliners felt it was important to sign the book of condolence.
Earlier, Irish J1 students held a vigil in a park in Berkeley this morning to remember those who died and pray for the seven who were injured in the balcony collapse on Tuesday.
Around 1,000 people are believed to have taken part in the vigil. It followed an earlier memorial service in the university town.
Shona Murray spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about the 'solemn and emotional affair':
Very emotional and moving scenes in #Berkeley right now. Students light candles and remember their friends pic.twitter.com/DGOyxV7OhV
— Shona Murray (@ShonaMurrayNT) June 18, 2015
A mourner cries after placing a candle at a vigil for six Irish students. Image: AP Photo/Beck Diefenbach
In total, seven students remain in critical condition, five of whom are being treated in two different hospitals.
Investigators say dry rot may have caused the balcony to collapse at the apartment building where the students were celebrating a 21st birthday party.
It has emerged the balcony was only meant to be a decorative feature in the building design.
