Vol. 509 No. 6
36 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself regarding the safety of Irish soccer fans travelling to Turkey for the forthcoming European championship play-off in view of the statements by a leading Irish travel agent. [21015/99]
I am aware of statements by some supporters of the Irish team and by the official carrier of the Football Association of Ireland – which is not arranging any travel for supporters on this occasion – about their experiences when the team last played against Turkey in Istanbul in 1991. I have also seen a statement by another Dublin travel agency which takes a more positive and benevolent view of those events and of the prospects for the forthcoming match in Bursa.
When the announcement of the match was made, the Department was in contact with the Turkish ambassador in Dublin and the Irish Ambassador to Turkey spoke with the Turkish Government and the Turkish Football Federation. On each occasion, we conveyed our concern for the safety of Irish fans travelling to Turkey for the game. The Department has also been in touch with the Football Association of Ireland on a number of occasions.
In a statement issued on 14 October, the Turkish Embassy in Dublin stated that the Turkish authorities "have long since taken measures and perfected their crowd control skills that has put a stop to any kind of inappropriate and/or violent behaviour during football games.". The statement went on to say that Irish footballers and football fans can rest assured that they will be treated as respected and honoured guests in Turkey. The Turkish Football Federation has indicated that it will take all necessary security measures in line with FIFA and UEFA regulations.
While the Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible in today's world to give absolute guarantees of safety on such occasions, the Turkish authorities are aware of our concerns and have indicated their intention to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of Irish citizens attending the match.
Is the Minister satisfied there will be adequate staff in the Irish Embassy in Ankara to deal with any emergencies or contingencies which may arise? Has he, his Department or the Irish Ambassador to Turkey raised the question of the segregation of Turkish and Irish supporters, given the gauntlet which Irish supporters had to run in Turkey in the past? Has the Department's press section recently updated the travel advice it issued on 19 March in relation to the safety of Irish visitors to Turkey because of the potential for terrorist acts against groups of foreigners?
Some 40,000 Irish tourists visit Turkey annually. I am not aware of the issuance of any new instructions since 19 March but I will look into the matter. If it is necessary to issue new instructions, I will communicate further with the Deputy.
Additional staff will be brought on board on a temporary basis in the Irish Embassy in Ankara. As far as the segregation of supporters is concerned, I understand that approximately 500 Irish supporters will travel to Istanbul and subsequently on to Bursa. I understand the trip from Istanbul to the game's new location takes approximately four or four and a half hours by car ferry across the Sea of Marmara and from there, by car, to the ground.
Does the Minister intend to attend the match and, if so, does he require company?
I accept the Deputy's kind offer. Coincidentally, an OSCE meeting is due to take place in Istanbul at around the same time as the football match. If I were to attend that meeting, I would, as a devoted soccer fan, take the opportunity to ensure the safety of my fellow Irishmen and women.
