Analysis of consular assistance provided to Irish citizens abroad, 2014-2023

INTRODUCTION: There has been limited literature reporting the nature of the consular assistance provided to travellers. This study aimed to describe the consular assistance activity of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.

METHODS: Publicly available consular assistance data (2014-2023) were analysed descriptively. Consular missions were listed under 16-19 categories.

RESULTS: A total of 26,378 consular assistance missions were recorded. The greatest proportion of missions related to COVID-19 repatriations (26.9%, n=7,097), deaths overseas (10%, n=2,650), and medical illness/mental health emergency abroad (11.6%, n=3,047). Forensic incidents (arrests/victims of crime) accounted for 12.9% (n=3,392) of consular assistance episodes.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the characteristics and trends of consular assistance requests received by a national governmental agency. Future studies should explore traveller awareness of consular procedures and the extent to which they are addressed in travel medicine consultations.