Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
302. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding her Department’s travel advisory for Irish citizens against travel to Ecuador; the basis for this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2489/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra303. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding her Department’s travel advisory for Irish citizens against travel to Ecuador; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the knock on effect means travel to the Galapagos Islands is advised against as a part of Ecuadorian territory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2490/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra304. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to the contrary position of the UK Government in relation to advisory on travel to the Galapagos Islands; the basis for this difference; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2491/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra305. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to the contrary position of the US Government in relation to advisory on travel to the Galapagos Islands; the basis for this difference; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2492/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra306. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to the contrary position of other EU countries in relation to advisory on travel to the Galapagos Islands; the basis for this difference; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2493/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra307. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied); the actions she will take to respond and engage on the substantive issues raised in relation to travel advisories from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2494/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra308. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding any engagement she has had with the travel agency sector in relation to specific Departmental travel advisory related to the Galapagos Islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2495/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra309. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention have been drawn to the concerns of businesses within the travel agency sector in relation to the impact that specific Departmental travel advisory related to the Galapagos Islands is having on their business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2496/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 302 to 309, inclusive, together.
My Department publishes advice for outward travel in respect of more than 200 countries and territories. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks Irish citizens could face while travelling, working, or living overseas, with a view to helping them make informed decisions.
The advice is based on consultation with our embassies and consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country, as well as other partners as appropriate. Our Travel Advice remains under regular review.
While my Department’s travel advice pages set out a security rating associated with travel to specific locations, any decision to travel is the citizen’s responsibility.
On the Deputy’s specific concerns, my Department’s travel advice clearly states that it only applies to those intending to travel within Ecuador, not to airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas Province, including for onward or return travel to the Galapagos Islands, which is considered safe.
The Deputy can find further information on my Department's travel advice and security ratings at this link: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/know-before-you-go/security-ratings/
