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Statement by Minister Flanagan regarding developments in Qatar
Following developments regarding Qatar’s relations with neighbouring states over the weekend, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, made the following statement:
"Ireland’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi is closely monitoring the developing situation in Qatar and the wider region. My immediate priority is the welfare of Irish citizens in Qatar where there is a growing and active Irish community.
"I have spoken with Ireland’s non-resident Ambassador to Qatar and I remain in close contact with him. Over the weekend the Embassy has been in contact with community leaders in the Irish community and provided updates to Irish community organisations. The Embassy is also responding to calls from Irish citizens in Qatar.
"I am aware there is some concern about air connectivity. I am advised that Qatar Airways flights are continuing to operate and alternative flight paths are being identified where difficulties may arise in the future. A direct flight between Qatar and Ireland is due to commence later this month.
"Ireland is working closely with our EU partners to protect the interests of EU citizens in the region and thirteen of our partner states have embassies on the ground in Qatar.
"I am asking all Irish citizens in Qatar to register themselves and their families with my Department. They may do so via our website (https://citizensregistration.dfa.ie/) or by phoning: + 353 (0) 1 4082527.
"Any citizen with a specific consular concern should contact our team in Abu Dhabi by phoning: +971 (0)2 4958200 or the Consular team in my Department’s headquarters in Dublin via https://www.dfa.ie/about-us/contact-us/contact-consular-assistance/
"Our travel advice will be kept updated and that is available both on my Department’s website www.dfa.ie/travel and on our free TravelWise App. The App also provides travel alerts where the situation changes.
"Our Embassy in Abu Dhabi will provide updates including through Twitter @IrelandEmbUAE.
"Any citizen planning to travel to Qatar should consult my Department’s travel advice in advance."