Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
272. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a full report on Irish efforts to extract Irish citizens from Afghanistan will be conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60101/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn internal report on the evacuation of Irish citizens from Afghanistan, taking stock of our engagement and feeding into lesson learning, has been prepared by my officials - in line with standard practice. My Department’s support for Irish citizens in Afghanistan is ongoing.A total of 108 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted in evacuating Afghanistan since the crisis broke in mid-August. My Department, including through our Embassy in Abu Dhabi, continues to work with EU Member States and partners in the region to support the ongoing evacuation efforts.My Department has also provided support in the immediate aftermath of the crisis to established residents, a number of whom were assisted in returning to Ireland. Separately, we have supported the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in evacuating over 350 Afghans at risk under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP).I would like to avail of the opportunity to put on record my appreciation for our international partners, strong cross-government collaboration, and the critical role of staff in my Department and across our Embassy network in the evacuation efforts.
