Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
157. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens in Iran; the number who have been in contact seeking consular assistance since the war began; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22637/26]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including Ireland’s Embassies and Consulates worldwide, provides consular assistance to Irish citizens in difficulty abroad within the remit of its Consular Assistance Charter.
Since well before the start of the recent conflict, my Department, including through officials working in our Embassy accredited to Iran, has maintained regular contact with Irish citizens in the country. My Department also continues to work with the EU and other partners to exchange information and coordinate our consular response to the situation.
My Department continues to advise against all travel to Iran, and has long advised those citizens still in Iran to consider leaving, provided it is safe to do so.
Currently, my Department is aware of less than 30 Irish citizens in Iran.
Since the start of the recent conflict there have been severe communication disruptions in Iran, encompassing both the internet and both mobile and land phone lines. Despite these challenges, my Department, including embassy officials, has maintained contact with these citizens to the extent possible.
My Department has provided advice and assistance to all citizens that have sought support, including, recently, by providing guidance for two citizens to exit Iran by land. Other supports have included facilitating contact with family in Ireland during communication blackouts.
Officials from across my Department continue to monitor the political and security situation, and will remain in contact with our citizens in Iran during in the period ahead.
While our capacity to provide consular assistance to those in Iran is limited, I can assure you that my Department will offer all it can to those that request it.
Further information on my Department's travel advice, which is extensive for Iran, is available at: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/.
I encourage all Irish citizens in Iran or in the surrounding region seeking assistance to contact my Department’s Consular Crisis Team in Dublin directly on 01-4082000 or their nearest Irish Embassy.
