Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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92. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of persons provided with consular assistance to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53528/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I can advise that my Department has so far provided consular assistance in 1,723 instances in 2019, a breakdown of which is below. 

Arrests – 243

Child Abductions – 13

Child Welfare – 21

Deaths Abroad – 268

Deportations – 64

Medical – 270

Mental Health – 92

Missing Persons – 72

Other – 344

Prisoners – 40

Victims of Crime -  112

Welfare – 184

The support and assistance provided to Irish Citizens abroad through our Embassies, Consulates General and Honorary Consulates, and by our staff at HQ, continue to be of the highest quality. This year has witnessed many difficult and complex cases, and I commend staff on their commitment and professionalism in providing invaluable assistance in the most difficult of situations.  

I would also like to thank our support partners, the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. These partners are a vital asset for our Missions. Their expertise supplements our consular efforts, ensuring the best possible assistance is provided to those who need it most.