Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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30. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department will assist an Irish couple seeking to return home (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9082/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is aware of this case and is providing all possible and appropriate consular assistance to the citizens in question.

We have already assisted 170 of our citizens to return home safely from South Africa. Of the citizens remaining there, 70 have indicated an interest in returning home, including the couple in question. The Deputy will be aware that all international commercial flights remain suspended until such time as national public health authorities indicate otherwise.

Our consular officials are working closely with regional partners and with our UK and EU partners to secure places for our citizens on future repatriation flights, as and when available.

Domestic flights are expected to be reintroduced in Phase 3 of the current South African Government plans. While these are likely to be available only for business travel, we have suggested an alternative option for internal travel to the citizens in question. 

I can assure you that we will continue to provide all possible advice and assistance to these and all other citizens in need in South Africa.