MINISTER FOR Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has expressed concern at the number of Irish deaths abroad after the figure increased by about a third last year.
The rise in deaths resulting from incidents involving young people, including drowning and motor accidents, was a matter of particular concern, Mr Martin said yesterday.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs noted that some 200 overseas deaths had been reported to its consular section in 2008, a 33 per cent rise on the previous year's reported total of 150.
"Each one of these cases involves a tragedy to a family in Ireland which was sometimes exacerbated by long bureaucratic delays in releasing bodies to the families," the Minister said.
Mr Martin highlighted the recent publication by his department of a booklet, Travel Safely - Slán Abhaile, containing advice for Irish people travelling overseas.
"While the vast bulk of these visits are accident-free, I want to do everything I can to assist in cutting down on the number of Irish families who receive tragic news from abroad. The booklet provides practical tips on how to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit overseas."
According to Department of Foreign Affairs figures, Irish residents made some eight million trips overseas last year - more than 1.6 million of which were to Spain.
Mr Martin said an online travel registration service launched by his department in January had proved invaluable. "All citizens, particularly those travelling to 'remote or challenging places', should be encouraged to register."