Vol. 418 No. 5
93 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of the number of Irish citizens currently believed to be in Libya; if he will outline the steps which are being taken to ensure their safety in the light of the decision by the United Nations to impose sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is estimated that there are approximately 100 Irish citizens currently in Libya.
The Irish Embassy in Rome is accredited to Libya; in addition, by virtue of an agreement with the Italian authorities, the Italian Embassy at Tripoli acts on our behalf in the provision of emergency consular assistance and protection to Irish citizens in Libya. In recent weeks our Embassy in Rome has been in very regular contact with the Italian authorities about the evolving situation; there has also been close consultation with our other EC partners on the matter.
Arising from this consultation my Department issued a statement on 20 March drawing attention to the deliberations of the UN Security Council, the possible implications for Irish citizens resident in Libya and those considering a visit there.
The Department are continuing to monitor the situation in conjunction with our EC partners and will take any further action that is considered necessary.
