Written answers

Wednesday, 3 May 2023

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Foreign Conflicts

Photo of Cian O'CallaghanCian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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29. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will arrange for the evacuation of Irish citizens from Sudan with immediate effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20228/23]

Photo of Sorca ClarkeSorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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43. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects all Irish citizens impacted by the conflict in Sudan to be exfiltrated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20759/23]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 43 together.

As of 2 May, 246 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted to evacuate from Sudan since the current crisis began. This operation has been led by a consular crisis response team for Sudan in the Department of Foreign Affairs, which has been in place since the outbreak of conflict on 15 April. This has been a very complex and challenging undertaking, and I am particularly grateful for the efforts of all those who have been involved, and the assistance of our EU and international partners during this period.

Consular assistance and support to evacuate continues to be provided on an ongoing basis from our consular teams in Dublin, our Embassy in Kenya, and our mission network wherever those evacuated are transiting through. Consular teams continue to work with people as they are evacuated, helping to arrange accommodation when needed and supporting and assisting with onward arrangements.

The Emergency Civil Assistance Team (ECAT) mission, which involved Defence Forces personnel in support of officials from my Department, assisted with the process in Djibouti and Cyprus, before concluding their mission on 30 April.

My Department remains in ongoing contact with remaining Irish citizens in Sudan who wish to leave. Our experienced consular teams in Dublin and in the region will continue to actively respond to the needs of our citizens as the situation evolves.

At the same time, the Government will continue to support efforts to end the conflict and calls for conditions where people are able to stay secure and return to their homes and families.

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