New Figures Reveal Sharp Rise in Irish Deaths Abroad

The numbers of Irish holidaymakers losing their lives abroad so far this year has increased with 88 people falling victim to tragedy.

The start of the holiday-season has seen the numbers increase sharply with eight people passing away in the past week alone.

The figures represent an increase of almost 10% on the same period last year and are a stark reminder to Dubliners to take some vital safeguards before heading overseas on holiday.

The European Union is working to ensure that its citizens have the maximum level of protection when on holiday abroad, however we all have a personal responsibility to take steps ourselves.

My colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, TD has repeatedly advised people to ensure they have proper insurance when travelling. This is especially important when going long-haul to the popular destinations in Asia, Australia and in the Americas.

Too many Irish families are left devastated not only emotionally but financially when one of their loved ones falls victim to accidents.

In addition it is important that all Irish travellers register with the Department of Foreign Affairs before travelling. This can be done atwww.dfa.ie. This ensures the Department can quickly contact our people in the event of attacks like Mumbai, disturbances in Thailand or natural disasters like the Tsunami.

At the European Parliament I am continuing to work to ensure Irish people have other safeguards. The most important so far is the E111 card. This is available free of charge to all our people and gives them access to public health services in all EU countries. Application can be made on-line through the Health Service Executive.

Thousands of Irish people will go on holidays in the coming weeks and will return home safely, however I strongly advise anyone heading abroad to take these simple steps to ensure that in the event of an accident that they have the maximum level of protection.