Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a fund available for dealing with the costs of the families of Irish Citizens who have died in unexpected or tragic circumstances while temporarily visiting or residing in EU Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24919/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Over the past decade, the number of Irish citizens travelling abroad has increased dramatically. Irish citizens are now to be found in a wider range of locations than ever before and the number of visits abroad by Irish residents in 2006 was almost 7 million. Since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have attached a high priority to the consular service we provide to our citizens who encounter difficulties while abroad and have introduced a number of practical measures to improve this service.

In situations where a death of an Irish citizen occurs abroad, my Department offers all possible assistance and support including, where necessary, with autopsies, death certificates, liaising with undertakers and airlines.

My Department, of course, strongly advises intending travellers abroad to take out adequate travel insurance prior to travel. Failure to take out insurance can lead to considerable financial and logistical difficulties for the traveller and his/her family should problems arise. In the great majority of cases, the cost of repatriation of remains is covered by the families in question. When necessary, the Department is authorised to provide financial assistance locally, on a cost recoverable basis. In addition, in some very exceptional circumstances, including natural disasters, the repatriation of remains can be undertaken at State expense.

I am very pleased to report that in the overwhelming number of cases, citizens indicate that they are extremely appreciative of the quality of the support and advice they receive from the Department and our missions overseas in these, often tragic, circumstances.