Question to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mr. Charles Flanagan, TD)
To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the recent devastating earthquakes in Nepal, if he will develop a register for Irish citizens in all countries susceptible to such natural disasters, including Taiwan, which would make it easier to facilitate contact between Irish persons and their families, should a nationwide natural disaster occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Jerry Buttimer
For WRITTEN ANSWER on 9, June, 2015.
REPLY
In response to the earthquakes in Nepal, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade opened its Consular Emergency Response Centre in Dublin and in concert with the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, India, which is accredited to Nepal, provided consular assistance to some 170 Irish citizens who were in the region at the time.
All Irish citizens may register their details and presence in particular countries through contacting their local Irish Consulate or accredited Irish Embassy. Additionally since 2007, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade has operated an on-line citizens’ registration facility where Irish citizens can register their details directly with the Department. This registration facility is available at
Registration with an Irish mission abroad or through the online facility is entirely voluntary. The online registration facility is intended for use by all citizens whether they may be travelling for leisure or business or indeed if they have taken up long-term residency overseas. Citizens who register their details with the Department greatly facilitate their being located and contacted in a crisis situation which then allows the Department to promptly provide assistance to them as may be necessary and as may be possible.