Written answers

Thursday, 4 July 2013

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Foreign Conflicts

Photo of Andrew DoyleAndrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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67. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the current mass demonstrations taking place in Egypt, notably in the capital city of Cairo; if he will identify if any Irish citizens have been caught up in the current demonstrations taking place; the plan Ireland has in place for assisting Irish citizens in the region; if he will outline, in view of other Governments pulling their staff out of their Embassy's in the country, if he plans to do likewise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32743/13]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am obviously following current developments in Egypt closely and have already made clear my great concern at last night's events which saw the removal, following military intervention, of President Morsi's democratically elected government and the suspension of the Egyptian constitution. I also regret the violence which has occurred following large-scale and otherwise peaceful demonstrations in Cairo and many other Egyptian cities in recent days which has now claimed up to fifty lives and resulted in injuries to hundreds of others. I am also greatly concerned by reports of utterly unacceptable gender-based attacks on women taking part in or observing the demonstrations.The priority at this critical juncture stage must be for restraint and genuine efforts on the part of all sides to defuse the crisis and to seek through negotiations to resolve the long-standing political and economic grievances which have prompted so many millions of Egyptians to take to the streets. I have already called for a fully inclusive process of political dialogue, aimed at bringing about the swiftest possible restoration of civilian-led government following free and fair elections, to be initiated as soon as possible. My Department has not received any reports of Irish citizens being caught up in the current protests. The Department's current travel advice for Egypt, which is constantly monitored and updated as necessary, strongly advises Irish citizens to avoid all non-essential travel, with the exception of the Red Sea resorts. We also advise Irish citizens to avoid all protests and demonstrations in Egypt and to monitor the local media for updates on the situation. If caught up in a demonstration, Irish citizens should leave the area immediately and should not attempt to take photographs.

The Embassy in Cairo is also in contact with Irish citizens currently in Egypt who have registered their contact details with the Department or Embassy; the intention is to call their attention to the Department's updated travel advice. Irish citizens in Egypt are encouraged to register their contact details, if they have not already done so, via the Department's website: .

At the time of writing, the US Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency US governmental personnel and family members at the US Embassy in Cairo due to the ongoing unrest. There are no plans, at this time, for Ireland or other EU embassies to do likewise. Our Embassy in Cairo and the Consular Assistance section in Dublin stand ready to provide consular assistance to any Irish citizens who may require it and they will continue to monitor the situation.

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