Northern Ireland

More than 1,700 Irish citizens sought consular assistance while travelling abroad last year

Tanaiste Simon Coveney
Tanaiste Simon Coveney Tanaiste Simon Coveney

More than 1,700 Irish citizens sought consular assistance while travelling abroad last year.

Figures released by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reveal that some of those who sought help were caught in major incidents including the the recent Hog Kong protests and political instability in South America.

Staff in 80 embassies and consulates-general and 94 honorary consuls around the world helped people across a range of situations, including natural disasters, arrests, imprisonments, missing persons, serious injury, and mental illness.

It has also emerged that over 260 families required the support of officials after the death of a loved one abroad.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney said the number of Irish people travelling abroad continues to grow.

“Irish citizens continue to travel more often and more widely than ever before - meaning a greater frequency and complexity of consular cases,” he said.

“This presents ever-growing challenges in providing assistance for Irish citizens who get into difficulty overseas.”

Mr Coveney suggested that all Irish citizens consult the department's travel advice before going abroad.

During 2019 the department provided travellers with information encouraging them to adopt safe practices, including obtaining travel insurance.

Mr Coveney stressed the importance of comprehensive travel insurance.

“While most journeys overseas go smoothly, the 2019 statistics show that things can and do go wrong and that it is important to be prepared, he said.

“As people consider travel plans for the year ahead, I urge them to get comprehensive travel insurance.

“Anyone travelling to Europe should also carry the ‘EHIC’ European Health Insurance Card, while those going to higher-risk countries should register their travel details with us online.”

Mr Coveney also acknowledged the work carried out by partner organisations including the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas.