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Irish deaths abroad soar

Dermot Ahern, the UK’s Minister for Foreign Affairs said he thinks the increasing number of Irish deaths abroad is “worryingly high.” Statistics indicate that travelers are dying more frequently abroad, highlighting the important need for travel insurance.

This week statistics were released indicating that a total of 60 Irish people died abroad in the first quarter of this year. The most number of deaths occurred in Spain where 20 died. Seven people died in America, and five died in Thailand. Deaths of Irish citizens also occurred in China, Fiji, Italy, Laos, Ghana, the Middle East and Argentina.

According to Mr. Ahern, if the rest of the year follows the trends set in the first quarter, the total number of deaths this year will be almost double that of last year. Last year, staff in Irish consuls overseas handled 130 deaths.

To promote safer travel, the minister is warning young people to avoid using drugs and alcohol while abroad and to investigate and follow the government’s travel advice. Both suggestions are particularly important, as drinking can invalidate travel insurance, which is unlikely to cover travel in an area where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a warning.

“Today, we are travelling in greater numbers to a wider variety of destinations than ever before,” Mr Ahern said.

“Last year alone, Irish residents made almost eight million trips abroad. Figures for the first three months of 2008 show our staff have dealt with almost 60 deaths of Irish citizens abroad, with one third of these in Spain. The vast majority of these would be holidaymakers,” he confirmed.

Lauren Purnell 02/06/08