No plans to evacuate Irish citizens in Middle East as key transit hubs remain closed

"We have many young people who are teaching and working over there. We have a much larger number than perhaps other countries of our size. There are currently no plans by the Government to evacuate citizens. The advice for those in the region is please stay indoors and please take shelter."

"These are lengthy journeys. We don't know if their airports will be open when they get there, but also the situation is evolving and changing at such a fast rate that we cannot say any of these journeys would be safe."

"Fears of a spike in energy prices and inflation as a result of the conflict are expected to be discussed when ministers gather for the Government's Trade Forum today. With Iran launching retaliatory strikes in response to the military action, concerns are growing over access to a key trade route for oil tanker."

Military strikes on Iran by the US and Israel, followed by Iranian retaliation, have severely disrupted regional flights and created uncertainty for thousands of Irish people working or holidaying in the Middle East. Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee confirmed a large Irish population exists across the region, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, and urged citizens to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs. The government advises those in the region to remain indoors and take shelter, with no current evacuation plans announced. Citizens are also warned against traveling to neighboring countries due to airport uncertainty and rapidly evolving conditions. Ministers are expected to discuss concerns about potential energy price spikes and inflation resulting from the conflict and disrupted oil trade routes.

Read at Irish Independent