Seán Ryan
Question:119 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he will take to provide assistance or information to Irish citizens living or working in Zimbabwe in a doomsday situation. [6361/02]
Vol. 549 No. 3
119 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he will take to provide assistance or information to Irish citizens living or working in Zimbabwe in a doomsday situation. [6361/02]
I assure the Deputy that my Department is monitoring developments in Zimbabwe very closely, particularly those affecting the welfare of Irish citizens. The embassy in South Africa, which is accredited to Zimbabwe, maintains regular con tact with Irish citizens by telephone and e-mail, as well as through visits to Harare by embassy officials. The embassy is also in regular contact with the embassies of the other EU member states in Harare. As a precaution, contingency plans are being developed to cope with an emergency and the Deputy may be assured that, should the situation in Zimbabwe warrant it, my Department will take all possible steps, in co-operation with our EU partners, to protect the safety and welfare of Irish citizens.