Child abductions among over 1,500 new cases handled by Dept of Foreign Affairs last year

The Irish government provided consular aid in 1,504 new cases last year. 

That's according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which provided the assistance in 2022 in addition to support provided to others on an ongoing basis. 

The figure marks an overall increase of 21% in newly recorded consular cases, which includes situations such as child abductions (15 cases), missing persons (51), victims of crime (96) and issues regarding Covid-19 (48). 

The department was also notified of 340 deaths abroad, marking a a 55% increase in comparison with 2021. 

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the department established a dedicated crisis response team at the Embassy in Kyiv and other embassies, to support more than 100 Irish citizens seeking to leave Ukraine in February and March. 

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, said, "One of the main priorities of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to provide effective travel advice and consular assistance and services to Irish citizens. The department provides a range of help and support to citizens in distress abroad, relating to a variety of situations - including arrest, imprisonment, missing persons, serious injury, mental health difficulty and death. 

"The 2022 statistics show a consistently high level of demand for our services, with my department and mission network providing consular assistance in a number of complex cases last year. This includes issues that have become more prevalent, such as travel bans, forced marriage, and complications arising from medical procedures abroad. 

The Tánaiste is encouraging all citizens to carefully study the DFA Travel Advice before going abroad, and advises contacting the nearest Irish embassy or consulate if assistance is required while abroad. 

He said, "In 2022, my department also provided significant levels of support to citizens impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We are aware of a number of citizens who continue to enter Ukraine, for example with the purpose of engaging in surrogacy arrangements. The situation across Ukraine remains extremely dangerous, and I strongly advise against all travel to Ukraine, for any purpose." 

As part of the supports provided by the DFA, over 54,000 Irish documents were authenticated for business or personal use overseas, and over 2,700 civil letters of freedom were issued to Irish citizens marrying abroad last year. 

The department reportedly handled over 6,000 calls and 8,000 emails on international travel from the public in 2022. 

The Tánaiste said, "While most people enjoy trouble-free trips abroad, it is important to prepare properly in advance of travel. I advise all Irish citizens to ensure they have a valid passport, take out travel insurance, consult our Travel Advice, and carry an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) if travelling within the EU. 

"I also would like to acknowledge the invaluable support provided by our close partners, including government agencies, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas, Crosscare, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Safe Home Ireland and the many Irish support organisations overseas.

"These continue to do great work in supporting citizens and their families who experience difficult and in some cases tragic situations overseas."