Mayo families fear for relatives in Middle East as TD calls on Government to act with ‘urgency, transparency and care’
Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh has called on the Government to act with “urgency, transparency and care” as it works to bring Irish citizens home from the Middle East following the outbreak of violence in the region.
The Sinn Féin representative highlighted Irish citizens living in the region, tourists and travellers who are stranded due to cancelled return flights, and Irish Peacekeepers currently serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon, urging swift government action to support them all.
Minister for Defence Helen McEntee confirmed this morning that the Government has signed a contract for a charter flight from Abu Dhabi to Dublin, carrying approximately 280 passengers.
While welcoming the development, Deputy Conway-Walsh, Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Defence and National Security, stressed that additional flights must be arranged to ensure more citizens can return home safely.
“The Government must organise repatriation flights and put contingency plans in place immediately, without delay,
“Irish citizens abroad must know that their government will act swiftly and effectively to assist them,” she said.
She noted that of the over 20,000 citizens registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs, 2,000 have indicated they wish to leave the region, with the majority being tourists.
“I have been contacted by people in Mayo who are very concerned for family members living in the Middle East, and others who were simply travelling through the region and are now stuck due to the ongoing conflict,” she said.
The TD highlighted the importance of cooperation with the UK for citizens travelling home via Britain.
"I welcome that there are some flights coming in [to Ireland] today. There are also flights coming into the UK,
“What I am finding with constituents is that some people who were going on holiday flew from Ireland to Britain, and then onto Dubai and other areas in the Middle East,” she explained. "The flights coming into Britain are important for us as well.”
"As Chair of the Defence and National Security Committee, I am keeping a very close eye on all this, as well as from a Mayo TD point of view, as there are lots of constituents in Mayo who are living in Dubai,” Deputy Conway-Walsh said.
She has been in direct contact with many constituents living in the Gulf region, as well as their families in Mayo, who are anxious for their safety.
Deputy Conway-Walsh highlighted that a significant number of Irish citizens who emigrated to Dubai and other parts of the Middle East come from Mayo and along the western seaboard, with many working as teachers.
“Thousands of families across the State have loved ones living and working in the UAE and Qatar, many are teachers, and they are understandably anxious and distressed,
"My main priority is to ensure that people who want to return home get home safely, and that those who decide to stay - remain safe,” she said.
She confirmed that Mayo residents who had contacted her were all safe and well.
Deputy Conway-Walsh explained that some constituents were experiencing difficulties reaching their relative embassy and the Department here.
While acknowledging that the situation is complicated and constantly evolving, with many people needing urgent assistance, she stressed that all available resources must be directed to supporting those in need.
“It is very important that whatever resources that are needed within the Department and within the embassies are facilitated, so that there are sufficient resources there,” she said.
The current situation also affects around 300 Irish peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon.
Deputy Conway-Walsh said they remain foremost in everyone’s minds, and noted that the Department has assured their safety and confirmed they remain fully equipped to carry out their peacekeeping duties.
She called on the Government to provide regular updates to families of serving personnel and to ensure all necessary protective measures are in place.
While thanking them for carrying out their peacekeeping duties, Deputy Conway-Walsh said that they “must have the assurance that all necessary protective measures are in place” and that “if they need to be brought home at short notice, that there is capacity [to do so].”
“This is a worrying time for many Irish families - both those with loved ones stranded in the Gulf and those with family members serving overseas. The Government must act with urgency, transparency and care,” she added.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.