Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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15. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the welfare assistance available for Irish citizens living abroad both inside and outside the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8300/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will understand that any questions regarding access to Irish social welfare payments abroad are a matter for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

In terms of consular assistance for citizens overseas, the Consular Directorate in my Department, in close cooperation with our Embassies and Consulates overseas, supports thousands of citizens across the world. This can include providing advice and information on welfare supports available in the local region.

Such welfare supports vary greatly across different countries. Within the European Union, our citizens can often access supports which are similar to those provided in Ireland. For example, the European Health Insurance Card entitles Irish citizens in another EU Member State to receive healthcare on the same terms as citizens of that country. Any financial assistance available generally depends on a number of factors, including whether the citizen is resident and employed in the country.

Welfare supports available to Irish citizens abroad outside the EU can be significantly lower, and these vary greatly from country to country. 

In the context of COVID-19, my Department has responded to an unprecedented demand for assistance from our citizens overseas. As part of this, we have focused on assisting citizens normally resident in Ireland who want to return home.

We stand ready and committed to providing all possible consular support to Irish citizens in difficulties abroad, as possible and as appropriate.