Martin reports rise in number of Irish needing help when abroad

This year saw a jump in the number of Irish people needing help from the Department of Foreign Affairs while abroad.

Minister Micheál Martin said his department dealt with more than 1,350 serious emergencies this year, up from 1,200 in 2008.

That includes deaths, arrests, accidents and kidnaps - including the cases of aid worker Sharon Commins and missionary priest Fr Michael Sinnott.

Consular assistance was provided to Irish citizens in almost every country in the world and the highest number of cases was seen in Spain.