1,487 Irish die abroad in five years
■ ■ NEW FIGURES SHOW TRAGEDY EVERY 2ND DAY BEN DUNNE AMONG 381 WHO DIED IN 2023
A TOTAL of 1,487 Irish people died abroad in the past five years — one every second day.
The figures were released by the Department of Foreign Affairs, who provided consular assistance in each case. Some died of natural causes while others were involved in tragic accidents while on holiday or living overseas.
Last year a record number of 381 families needed help after a relative died abroad, an increase on the 340 cases that diplomats handled in 2022.
Among them were tragic Dublin students Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall, who died on holiday in Greece.
There was also young mum Denise Morgan, who was murdered by her partner at her apartment in New York, and Ben Dunne who died from a heart attack while on a break in Dubai.
Years
At the height of Covid, 220 Irish people died on foreign soil in 2021, 253 in 2020 and 293 in 2019.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said the death of a loved one abroad is particularly distressing and its staff will do everything possible to help.
However, they can’t pay to bring a body home and that’s why it is important that holidaymakers have travel insurance to cover all eventualities in the worst case scenario.
The Department said its diplomats can make arrangements with the Gardai to have the next of kin in Ireland informed immediately, can provide practical advice on local processes and liaise with local authorities.
They can source an English speaking undertaker who can then liaise with the appointed undertaker back home.
They will also deal with relevant police or judicial authorities where necessary.
Advice
The Department said: “We can’t pay for the return of your loved one to Ireland but we can put you in touch with organisations whomightbeable to provide support.
“We can’t pay for funeral expenses or for travel-related expenses for relatives.
“We can’t give you legal advice nor can we represent you in court or any investigation.”
They added: “You should be aware that the time required in order for remains to be repatriated may vary depending on the formalities required by different countries and also on the individual circumstances surrounding each death.
“On average repatriations can take 10 to 14 days although they can often take longer.”
The Department said that if there’s an unexplained or suspicious death overseas the family may request further examination of the remains by the Coroners Office.
‘We can’t pay for the return of a body’