Surge in Deaths of Irish Citizens Abroad in 2023
In a startling revelation, new figures have shown a record surge in the deaths of Irish citizens abroad. Statistics revealed that more Irish citizens died while abroad in 2023 than in any other year on record. Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, stated that 2,043 Irish nationals living overseas received consular assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs throughout the course of the year. Among them, there was a 12% increase in deaths of Irish citizens compared to the previous year, marking 2023 as the deadliest year for Irish citizens overseas.
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The Department pointed out that in 2023, more than one-fifth of all new consular cases involved the deaths of Irish citizens, with some of these deaths being linked to cosmetic or medical operations done abroad. As a response to this trend, the Department continues to provide travel advice on such procedures to help citizens make informed decisions before travelling overseas.
Statistics involving the deaths of Irish citizens abroad
Speaking on the alarming statistics, Tánaiste Micheál Martin emphasised the range of support services provided by his department, covering distressing situations such as arrests, imprisonment, missing persons, serious injuries, mental health difficulties, and unfortunately, death. The demand for consular assistance has remained consistently high, with challenges arising from travel bans, mental health issues, and complications from medical and cosmetic procedures abroad.
The Department modified its Consular Assistance Charter in 2023 to better reflect the support it can offer in times of crisis in response to the growing demand. A significant aspect of the Department’s work involved supporting Irish citizens caught up in global crises, such as the conflict in Sudan and the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
Over 280 Irish nationals and their dependents were safely evacuated from Sudan in April because of the hard work of a committed crisis team. Since October, a comparable crisis squad has been involved in the Middle East war, helping 57 people and dependents, including Emily Hand, who was taken hostage by Hamas.
Despite ongoing conflicts and travel advisories, the Department also reported an increase in deportation cases (up by 80%) and a rise in cases involving Irish citizens falling victim to crime while abroad (up by 40%). Mental health and wellbeing-related cases increased by more than one-third.
The Department’s capacity to provide consular assistance in Ukraine, particularly in surrogacy-related cases, remains extremely limited due to the dangerous situation in the region. Travel to Ukraine is strictly discouraged, according to Tánaiste.
Looking ahead to 2024, Tánaiste Micheál Martin urged Irish citizens to prepare properly for travel, including ensuring a valid passport, obtaining travel insurance, consulting the TravelWise service, and registering with the Department in advance of travel. He also acknowledged the invaluable support provided by various organisations in assisting citizens and their families facing challenging situations overseas.
