Statement by Minister McEntee on Consular Assistance in the Gulf and the Middle East

I have been briefed this evening by my Department’s crisis centre on the consular situation in the Gulf and Middle East. I fully understand the anxiety and concerns of Irish citizens across the region after today’s strikes, and those of their families and friends in Ireland and around the world. I will join my European colleagues at an emergency virtual meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council tomorrow.

I want to assure you that my Department, including officials working in our Embassies in the region, is actively engaged in supporting Irish citizens who are affected, and will provide all possible consular assistance.

Our crisis centre has had extensive contact with Irish citizens and their families who have been affected, including both residents and holiday makers. We are working with existing EU consular mechanisms to coordinate assistance across the region.

For our citizens already in the region, our advice is to shelter in place, avoid unnecessary movement, and follow the directions of the local authorities. Irish citizens should also actively monitor advice issued on social media by the local Irish Embassy.

I am aware of the extensive flight disruptions across the region, which have already impacted Irish citizens, including those in regions not immediately affected by the conflict. This is likely to remain the case in the coming days. It is important that Irish citizens with plans to travel to or through the region, contact their airline or travel agency immediately for the latest information.

Finally, it is essential that Irish citizens rely on advice from reputable sources only. I can assure all Irish citizens that we are actively monitoring the developing situation and that we keep all our travel advisories under the closest review at times like these. You can find all our advice on ireland.ie.

Citizens with queries or concerns can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular team in Dublin at +353 1 4082000. Citizens in the region should contact their local Embassy.