Statement by the Tánaiste on the repatriation of Irish citizens from Peru

"A flight organised by the Irish Government departed Lima this evening, Sunday 29 March, at 8pm (Irish time) with over 100 Irish passengers and their families on board, and will transfer on to Dublin tomorrow. As part of our shared global commitment to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, the flight also carried a number of British and EU citizens.

"We are facilitating the return of a further group of Irish citizens from Lima shortly.

"This has been a complex undertaking, given tight restrictions across the country and in airports and airspace. Our Embassy arranged for the transfer by road of many of our citizens from remote parts of Peru to the airport in Lima.

"I spoke with Peru’s Foreign Minister on Thursday, and I would like to thank the Peruvian authorities for facilitating the departure of our citizens.

"Sincere thanks are also due to our EU and British partners for their close cooperation on this work.

"Our Embassy is in ongoing contact with a small number of Irish citizens who remain in Peru, and continues to provide all possible consular assistance.

"I have spoken to our Ambassador and thanked him and all the staff of my Department at home and abroad who are working hard to help citizens across the globe.

"The Department is currently working to assist over a thousand citizens abroad. This is a 24 hour operation - we are working closely with the aviation industry and transport sector, and with our EU and British partners, to explore all options for helping our citizens to return home."

ENDS