Surge in Irish citizens seeking consular assistance

There was a 17 per cent increase in the first six months of the year compared to the same period in 2023, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Citizens have been urged to pay heed to travel advice and the government’s TravelWise website before travelling abroad.

Consular assistance can span a wide range of issues from arrests to imprisonment, missing persons, serious injury, mental health difficulty, and death.

Last year saw the highest number of deaths of Irish citizens overseas reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs. More than one in five of all new consular cases in 2023 related to the death of an Irish citizen overseas.

Tánaiste and foreign affairs minister Micheál Martin said: “My department, through its network of embassies and consulates abroad, as well as a dedicated team in Dublin, offers 24-hour assistance for Irish citizens who may find themselves requiring help when abroad.

“Already this year, we have seen a 17 per cent increase in consular cases when compared with the first six months of last year.”

He added: “One of the department’s top priorities is ensuring as many Irish citizens as possible have access to up-to-date travel information. This enables them to make smart, TravelWise decisions before and during their holiday, and enjoy a stress-free trip.

“There has been a significant increase in those visiting the TravelWise website, and consular assistance webpages in particular. I welcome this level of engagement from the public, and hope it continues.”