Embassies offer a helping hand abroad when nobody else can

Unpaid, they are a network of friends of Ireland, acting for the State around the world, writes Gerard Howlin

N A small island with unreliable weather, a lot of Irish people like to get away. When not on holidays, many Irish people travel for work. And we have a great diaspora of emigrants. Some are Irish-born, but others who are not are also Irish citizens. All fall to the care of the consular services of the Department of Foreign Affairs, if required. It’s not a care many of us think much about, but for a very few people, beset by events or the author of them, the local Irish embassy or honorary consul becomes a lifeline.

On Monday a bomb exploded in Bangkok, killing innocent people. Thankfully no Irish person was among the dead. In June a lone gunman opened fire on the beach in Sousse, Tunisia, and three Irish holiday-makers were not so lucky. In Berkeley, California, a horrific incident left six students dead. In 2011 an earthquake devastated Christchurch in New Zealand and Irish citizens were among the dead. In 2004 a tsunami devastated south-east Asia, and several Irish citizens were victims. Very occasionally a horrible misadventure can occur on tour.