Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
42. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if embassies of European Union member states are required to provide consular services, including emergency travel documents, to Irish citizens in third countries where Ireland does not have an embassy; the course of action advisable to Irish citizens in such an instance where such an embassy has refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36065/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Consular Protection Directive (Council Directive (EU) 2015/637) establishes the cooperation and coordination measures to facilitate consular protection for unrepresented citizens of the European Union in third countries.
EU citizens are entitled to seek assistance from an Embassy or Consulate of any other EU Member State if they are in a third country and the Member State of their own nationality does not have a diplomatic or consular mission in that country. Assistance includes the issuance, where possible, of EU Emergency Travel Documents.
The Directive recognises that Member States in third countries may enter into practical arrangements locally to share responsibilities for providing consular protection to unrepresented EU citizens. This may mean that in certain locations, some EU Member States are better placed to provide assistance than others.
Where any difficulties arise, the citizen is advised to make contact with the nearest Embassy of Ireland or Consulate , or the Department of Foreign Affairs, who will be able to engage on the matter. The Directive encourages close cooperation between Member States, including between Member States which are not represented and with Member States in the location providing assistance.
