Statement from the Tánaiste as Irish citizens assisted to depart Lebanon

I am pleased to announce that two groups of Irish citizens were assisted to depart Lebanon today. The citizens departed on flights operated by Ireland’s international partners and they are expected to arrive in Ireland over the weekend.

Throughout this crisis, the Department of Foreign Affairs and our Embassy in Cairo has remained in regular contact with Irish citizens in Lebanon. We have worked closely with our EU and other partners to exchange information and coordinate our consular response to the situation in Lebanon.

This close cooperation meant that Irish citizens, along with others from a number of countries, were able to depart Lebanon today. This is an excellent example of the importance of international cooperation.

I would like to thank the governments of The Netherlands and Canada who together assisted the departure of 24 Irish citizens and dependents today. I would also like to thank our consular response teams in Cairo, Dublin and across the Middle East who continue to support Irish citizens in the region.

Many Irish citizens in Lebanon are deeply rooted in the country, with family, work and other links. While we have been able to assist almost all Irish citizens who have expressed a wish to leave, understandably many have decided to remain.

My Department will remain in close contact with all citizens still in Lebanon over the days and weeks ahead.

ENDS

Press Office

4 October 2024