Ms Danielle McLaughlin:

It can depend on the person. People are able to make queries on their own behalf from abroad. However, they might have some difficulty getting through on the phone or all the information may not be on the website. Those coming back in difficult circumstances may be unprepared or in crisis. We have talked about naturalised Irish citizens who might have been out of the country for a long time with some family members still learning English.

Regarding communications with the Department, it is simple for us to draw up a consent form where we act on behalf of someone, but there can be circumstances where it can be questioned if it is over the phone.