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citizens database
Going on holidays? You might have forgotten to tell somebody
But there’s still time.
THOUSANDS OF HOLIDAYMAKERS will make a trip out of Ireland this weekend, in an attempt to escape the dull, miserable, and indecisive weather that July gave us.
This will be a welcome break for the vast majority of people, but there’s always the chance that something could go wrong.
Just in case, the Department of Foreign Affairs is advising travellers to use a feature of its website, known as the Citizens’ Database.
This allows the Department to keep track of Irish citizens abroad in case of an emergency. Some 5,000 people have logged their details so far this year.
“It is important that those going abroad register their details with the Department,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said.
“In registering with us, people can feel safe in the knowledge that we can contact you in the event there is an emergency in the region to which you are travelling.”
While the majority of travellers will enjoy a trouble-free holiday, it is important to remain mindful of your surroundings at all times and take the necessary precautions for you and your family’s personal safety and the security of your belongings.
While you’re on the website, Flanagan also thinks there’s a few other things you should take a look at, including travel advice for various regions, local customs to “avoid getting into difficulty: either with the law or by offending local customs”, and to be aware of any risks you may face.
You should also take a look at your passport, make sure it’s in date, and double-check that you’ve booked travel insurance.
But look, once all that’s sorted, you’ll be grand.
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