Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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121. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his Department's efforts to support the families and friends of Irish students who lost their lives in Berkeley in California in the United States of America in June 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36985/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The tragedy in Berkeley, California in June claimed the lives of six young Irish citizens and a further seven Irish students suffered serious injuries. Our response was led by my Department in Dublin and by our Consulate General in San Francisco, the latter reinforced by additional experienced officers from our Embassy in Washington.

The Department quickly activated its Emergency Consular Response Centre to provide immediate consular assistance to those affected by the tragic incident. Practical assistance was provided to the families of the deceased and injured Irish citizens, with designated liaison officers being assigned to assist families making arrangements for travel and repatriation. On arrival in San Francisco families were met by an expert Consular team, who provided consular assistance and guidance during a very difficult time.

The Consul General and his team in San Francisco played a crucial role, liaising with the families of the victims, with other J1 students and with the local authorities. An incident Centre at the City Hall in Berkeley was established by the Consul General with the assistance of the local authorities and local Irish community groups. Minister Deenihan and the Irish Ambassador in Washington travelled to San Francisco to support the families and to attend memorial events, demonstrating the solidarity of the people and government of Ireland.

In the weeks and months that have followed the incident, the Consul General and his team, and the Consular Division of my Department here in Dublin have continued to provide sustained consular support to the injured students recovering in hospital and to their families, and to the families of those who tragically lost their lives.

I would like to reiterate my appreciation for the valuable support of the Dublin Airport Authority and of Aer Lingus, who showed such flexibility and generosity in facilitating arrangements for the repatriation of the deceased and injured students and their families back home to Ireland. My Department also liaised closely with the HSE and with concerned parties, including the J1 travel companies and the educational institutions in Ireland, in the days and weeks following the incident.

I wish to reassure the Deputy that officials of my Department will continue to liaise with the families of those affected by the tragedy and will continue to provide them with any consular assistance they require.