Tánaiste honours the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust
- Published on: 8 May 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, today welcomed Colin and Eithne Bell, founders of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) to Iveagh House.
The Tánaiste said:
"I am pleased to recognise the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for the important contribution it has made for over a decade, supporting the families of over 1,800 Irish citizens who have sadly died overseas. The solace and support the KBRT provides to bereaved families during the repatriation cannot be overstated.
"I particularly want to pay tribute to Colin and Eithne Bell, along with the rest of the Bell family. In the depths of their own grief at the tragic loss of their beloved son, Kevin, they extended the hand of friendship to other bereaved families by setting up the KBRT, providing support to those in need in the most difficult and devastating of circumstances. Today we also remember Kevin Bell, who tragically lost his life in 2013 at the young age of 26. While Kevin’s life was cut short, his legacy lives on through the KBRT.
"I place great value on the strong partnership that exists between my department and the KBRT. Today is an opportunity to thank all of the team and supporters of the KBRT."
The Tánaiste presented Colin and Eithne Bell with a sculpture made from ancient bog oak titled Homecoming. Homecoming, created by artist Kevin Casey, symbolises the hand of friendship and support that the KBRT has provided to families across Ireland since it was established in 2013.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, through its Embassies and Consulates overseas, has developed a close working relationship with the KBRT. The KBRT is the only charity of its kind on the island of Ireland and was established by Colin and Eithne Bell in memory of their son Kevin, who died tragically in New York in 2013.
The Tánaiste said:
"Sadly, my department supports the families of many people each year who lose their lives while travelling abroad. Later this month I will launch a summer travel campaign to raise awareness among young people in particular to 'Make the Right Memories' by taking extra steps to protect their safety and wellbeing while abroad.
"To the thousands of young people who will travel this summer, I encourage you to enjoy yourselves. Prepare for your travel by visiting Ireland.ie/TravelWise. Remember to look out for yourself and your friends while overseas to ensure that you all come home with the best of memories.”
Notes
The KBRT was established in 2013 by Colin and Eithne Bell following the death of their son, Kevin, in a tragic incident in New York in 2013. The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust aims to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families in repatriating their loved one who has died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland: www.kbrtrust.com.
The government recently launched its ‘Be Summer Ready’ campaign which provides practical advice to Irish citizens on steps that they can take to best prepare for their trip and to stay safe while travelling overseas. Further information is available here: www.gov.ie/SummerReady.
The Tánaiste will also launch a bespoke public awareness campaign for summer travel overseas at the end of May. The campaign will focus on young people who may be travelling abroad without parents or guardians for the first time this summer. The campaign’s theme “Make the Right Memories”, will emphasise the importance of looking out for oneself and travel companions by taking simple steps such as keeping phones fully charged and sharing your live location, can be the difference between a good and bad holiday memory.
The Department of Foreign Affairs provided consular assistance to 2,043 citizens in 2023. There was a 12% increase in deaths of Irish citizens abroad notified to the department, compared with 2022. Further information on the type of consular assistance provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs is available here: Statistics on consular assistance provided to Irish citizens abroad.
Consular Assistance is provided to Irish citizens in distress abroad, in line with the Department of Foreign Affair’s Consular Charter: Consular Assistance Charter.
If something goes wrong when you’re travelling abroad and you need help, contact your local Irish Embassy or Consulate or call the Consular Assistance Unit on +353 1 408 2527.
Caption for photos:
Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin presents 'Homecoming' sculpture to Colin and Eithne Bell in memory of Kevin Bell and in recognition of the immense service and solace provided by the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) to hundreds of bereaved families across Ireland since 2013.
'Homecoming,' created by artist Kevin Casey, symbolises the hand of friendship and support that the KBRT has provided to families across Ireland since it was established in 2013.
