This year saw the highest number of Irish deaths overseas ever reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs
The Department of Foreign Affairs provided consular assistance to 381 families whose loved ones had died abroad in 2023.
It marks a 12% increase on last year.
The Department’s Consular Assistance Overview for 2023 shows that more than one-in-five of all consular cases last year related to the death of an Irish citizen overseas.
The department said it was also notified of the deaths of several Irish citizens as a result of medical or cosmetic procedures abroad this year.
It said it is continuing to provide Travel Advice on medical, dental, and cosmetic procedures abroad to help people make informed decisions before travelling overseas for surgery.
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin outside Leinster House, 05-07-2023. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNewsThe Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said his department provided consular assistance to a total of 2,043 new cases last year.
“My department provides a range of help and support to citizens in distress abroad – from arrests to imprisonment, missing persons, serious injury, mental health difficulty, and sadly, death,” he said.
“The 2023 statistics show a consistently high level of demand for our services, including as a result of travel bans, mental health challenges and complications arising from medical and/or cosmetic procedures abroad.
“In response to the increasing demand for consular assistance, my department launched an updated Consular Assistance Charter this year, which sets out clearly the support the Department can and cannot provide.”
Consular assistance
The Department said 2023 saw several new and complex crises arising around the world.
There was also a significant increase in deportations (up by 80%), victims of crime cases (up 40%) and an increase of more than one-third in the numbers presenting with issues relating to their mental health and wellbeing.
“While most people enjoy trouble-free trips abroad, it is important to prepare properly in advance of travel in 2024,” said Minister Martin.
“I advise all Irish citizens to ensure they have a valid passport, take out travel insurance, consult our TravelWise service and carry an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) if travelling within the EU.”
New Consular Assistance Cases in 2023
- Advance of Funds: 6
- Arrests: 191
- Child Abductions: 10
- Child Welfare: 27
- Deaths Abroad: 381
- Deportations: 36
- Medical: 296
- Mental Health: 78
- Missing Persons: 77
- Other: 229
- Prisoners: 37
- Repatriation (Welfare): 10
- Transfer from Crisis: 2
- Victims of Crime: 136
- Welfare: 189
- COVID-19 related assistance: 1
- Total (excluding Sudan & Middle East Crises): 1,706
- Evacuation from Sudan: 280
- Evacuation from Gaza: 57
- Total (including Sudan & Middle East Crises): 2,043
