Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Minister for Foreign Affairs, today highlighted a significant increase in the number of consular cases handled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in 2024. This marks the third consecutive year of rising demand for consular assistance, with the department responding to 1,858 new cases. This figure does not include the ongoing efforts to assist Irish citizens affected by major crises in the Middle East, where the department provided emergency support for citizens trapped in conflict zones.
A Year of Crisis Response and Support for Irish Citizens Abroad
The consular cases addressed by the DFA involved a wide range of critical issues, including missing persons, serious injuries, arrests, victims of crime, mental health crises, and deaths abroad. The Tánaiste emphasized that supporting Irish citizens overseas is a central priority of the department’s work. “Providing consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad is a cornerstone of the work of my department,” Martin said. “Ensuring our citizens receive timely and empathetic support from our Embassies and Consulates worldwide is an absolute priority for me.”
In addition to the more routine consular support, the department dealt with particularly challenging cases, including parental child abductions and incidents involving Irish citizens in regions where Ireland does not maintain a diplomatic presence. The Tánaiste acknowledged the difficulty these cases present for both the citizens and their families, noting that such cases are often especially complex.
Praise for DFA Staff and Key Partners
Martin also took the opportunity to recognize the tireless work of Embassy and Consulate staff worldwide. “I would like to pay tribute to the hardworking staff in our missions overseas who, alongside colleagues based in the department’s headquarters in Dublin, provide round-the-clock assistance,” he stated.
The department also provided support in document authentication, processing over 56,000 Irish documents for business or personal use overseas, and issuing 2,900 civil letters of freedom for Irish citizens marrying abroad in 2024.
In addition to the department’s efforts, Martin acknowledged the vital contributions of key partners who help support Ireland’s Consular Assistance Programme, including the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas, Crosscare, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, and Safe Home Ireland. These organizations continue to provide invaluable services, particularly for citizens facing difficult or tragic circumstances abroad.
Evacuations Amidst Global Tensions
In 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs responded directly to several global crises, particularly in regions affected by conflict. The Tánaiste highlighted the department’s critical role in assisting Irish citizens trapped in conflict zones. In response to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, the department facilitated evacuations from Gaza and Lebanon, ensuring that Irish citizens had safe passage out of these areas.
“Following the successful evacuation of 59 Irish citizens and dependants from Gaza in late 2023, my department assisted a further 49 individuals to exit Gaza and return to Ireland in 2024. This brings the total number of people assisted to leave Gaza to 106,” Martin explained. “A small number of Irish citizens and dependants remain in Gaza, and my department, through our missions in the region, continues to advocate on behalf of those individuals that have not yet been able to leave.”
In Lebanon, the department provided direct assistance to 28 Irish citizens and dependants, helping them board flights organized by international partners. The Tánaiste expressed his satisfaction that all citizens who requested assistance were successfully supported in their efforts to leave the region.
Continued Vigilance and Warnings for Irish Citizens
As a result of the continuing instability in certain parts of the world, the Tánaiste reminded Irish citizens to exercise caution when traveling to areas with travel warnings or no diplomatic presence. “I strongly advise citizens to check the security status of their destination and understand the limitations of assistance in regions with travel warnings or no diplomatic presence,” Martin said.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Tánaiste assured the public that the Department of Foreign Affairs will continue its focus on protecting Irish citizens abroad and responding swiftly to any emerging consular challenges in regions affected by crisis or conflict.