Vol. 541 No. 2
229 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the estimated number of Irish nationals living and working in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter in respect of their safety. [22339/01]
There is no formal requirement for Irish nationals abroad to register with the accredited Irish Embassy or Consulate. For this reason, my Department may not be fully aware of all Irish nationals in the countries to which the Deputy refers. Based on the information available to us at the present time, my Department's best estimate of the number of Irish nationals in these countries is as follows: Uzbekistan, 4; Tajikistan, 1; Iran, 79;Iraq, 1; Pakistan, 63.
We have no information of any Irish nationals in Afghanistan or Turkmenistan.
Following the terrorist attack in the United States on Tuesday, 11 September, my Department has advised all Irish nationals travelling abroad to exercise extreme vigilance and caution. My Department has advised against all travel to Afghanistan. Irish nationals are advised against travel to Pakistan unless strictly necessary and Irish nationals currently in Pakistan should consider whether their continued presence is necessary. All Irish nationals in the North West Frontier Province and Baluchistan are advised to leave those areas immediately.
In line with established policy, Irish nationals abroad, including those in the countries referred to by the Deputy, may register with the local Irish Embassy or Consulate so that they can be included in emergency plans should this become necessary. Where there is no resident Irish mission, Irish nationals may register with a mission of any other EU member state.
