Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2024
81. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with the French government; if he has discussed current civil unrest in New Caledonia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23646/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraProtests and demonstrations, linked to political status and governance issues, led to an outbreak of violence and unrest on the island of New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the South Pacific, on 13 May. Since the outbreak of violence, six people have sadly lost their lives and the island is currently under a state of emergency, with the international airport closed. President Macron visited the island on 23 May for discussions, accompanied by Interior Minister Darmanin.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, via Ireland’s embassies in Paris, Wellington and Canberra, are providing consular assistance to Irish citizens in New Caledonia. The Embassy has been notified of eight Irish citizens in New Caledonia since 14 May. Of the eight, one was able to leave on 21 May while consular assistance is being extended to those of the remaining seven citizens who have requested it.
The Department has been proactive in promoting awareness of the situation; travel advice for New Caledonia has been updated on a regular basis since the start of the crisis with information on airport closures a particular focus. As of Wednesday 22 May, while the situation in New Caledonia has calmed, the territory remains in a state of emergency. There is no confirmation as to when commercial flights will resume from La Tontouta International Airport. Flights chartered by France are scheduled to bring tourists out of New Caledonia over the coming days.
Our Embassy in Paris is in close contact with the French authorities to facilitate the departure, at the earliest opportunity, of those Irish citizens seeking to leave New Caledonia. The Embassy in Paris also remains in contact with the French High Commission in New Caledonia, as well as with the French Interior and Foreign Ministries. Given the geographical location of New Caledonia, the Irish Embassies in Wellington and Canberra are also monitoring events closely and liaising with interlocutors on this matter.
