The number of Irish people requesting consular assistance abroad has increased for the third year running. 

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs said his Department provided assistance to almost 2,000 new cases in 2024.

Micheál Martin said this does not include the ongoing assistance provided to Irish citizens caught up in a series of crises in the Middle East.

The 1,858 new cases recorded in 2024 include missing persons, serious injuries, arrests, victims of crime, mental health issues and deaths abroad.  

Micheál Martin in Kenya. 16/07/2024. Image by: Department of Foreign Affairs.

The work also includes authenticating over 56,000 Irish documents for use overseas and almost 3,000 civil letters of freedom for Irish citizens marrying abroad. 

The Tánaiste said they have also provided assistance in a number of complex and challenging cases; such as parental child abductions, complex global crises, undertaking evacuations for Irish citizens caught in conflict zones and advocating on behalf of others, unable to leave.

Main image: An Irish passport is seen with Aer Lingus boarding cards. Picture by: Radharc Images / Alamy Stock Photo