John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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29. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures being taken to strengthen consular supports for Irish citizens abroad, particularly young people from rural constituencies such as Cork north west, who travel for work, study, or seasonal employment and may on occasions need this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65266/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Providing consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad is a cornerstone of the work of my department. Ensuring our citizens receive timely and empathetic support from our Embassies and Consulates worldwide is a priority for me in my role as Minister.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides a range of supports to citizens in distress abroad. The Consular Assistance Charter outlines what you can expect from the Department, and highlights the steps that we strongly encourage Irish people to take before they travel.

The Department publishes travel advice in respect of over 200 countries and territories. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks our citizens might face while travelling, living, or working overseas, helping them to make informed decisions. Promoting this travel advice to Irish citizens, including through social media and digital channels, is a key priority for my Department.

Central to this outreach has been my Department’s "Make the Right Memories" consular information and awareness campaign. That campaign targets all Irish citizens, and particularly young people, who may be travelling overseas independently for the first time. As part of our sustained and proactive engagement with young people, a consular-focused Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) module was launched in October 2024.

I would also encourage all citizens travelling overseas to register their contact details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This information will allow us to contact them, and provide all possible and appropriate assistance, particularly if there is an unforeseen crisis such as a natural disaster, or any other kind of emergency.

As part of Ireland’s Consular Strategy, published in 2023, the Department has committed to strengthening how we work, including by investing in the technology and systems that facilitate consular assistance. This will ensure our services remain responsive to changing demands.