Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

5. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given that work is underway on developing a new diaspora strategy, to consider a scheme included under the strategy to cover the repatriation costs encountered by families of Irish citizens who have died abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57436/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, work is underway on preparing the development of the next Diaspora Strategy, which will be launched at the Global Irish Civic Forum in April 2026.

As part of this process, there has been a number of in-person engagements with Irish communities and stakeholders both at home and abroad so we can understand the needs and challenges facing the diaspora.

Furthermore, to complement these in-person engagements, my colleague, Neale Richmond, the Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, launched the first-ever global on-line consultation with the Irish Abroad: the Global Irish Survey to ensure as wide a range of voices as possible could contribute to shaping our new strategy. The survey ran throughout the summer and received over 10,000 responses.

We will also ensure that our new diaspora strategy continues to complement our approach to the provision of consular assistance to Irish citizens, which is a cornerstone of the work of my Department. Officials in my Department, including our Embassies and Consulates worldwide, place a strong emphasis on ensuring that our citizens receive timely and empathetic consular assistance. In supporting our citizens, our missions also work closely with partners such as local Irish welfare and community care centres, who are funded through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme.

I am acutely aware that when citizens reach out to us for assistance, it is often a stressful and upsetting period for them: this is especially the case when a loved one dies abroad. While the type of assistance citizens can expect to receive in this situation will vary depending on the circumstances of each case, our priority is to provide all possible assistance to allow families to bring their loved home, should that be their wish.

I appreciate the sentiments that have prompted this question by the Deputy. I am fully aware of the costs associated with the repatriation of a loved one who has died abroad. As the Deputy may be aware, my Department also works closely with the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and I want to commend the Trust for the work that they do to support Irish citizens. My Department, as with other Foreign Ministries, provides a range of supports, including notification of the death of a loved one abroad, liaison with local authorities, and advice and guidance on administrative issues. Our focus will remain on providing a comprehensive set of non financial assistance to families at such times of great sadness. I want to stress, however, that this is not an exhaustive list of the assistance that we can provide.

I would encourage all citizens who are travelling abroad to consult our travel advice page, at www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/. In particular, I want to stress the importance of purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.