22,000 Irish currently in war-stricken Gulf region, Minister saysThere are as many as 22,000 Irish citizens currently in the Gulf region, with hundreds having registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs in recent days, foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee has said. Ms McEntee said she is concerned that any retaliation by the United Arab Emirates could lead to further disruption in the region as many Irish citizens seek routes home, speaking at Government buildings today. "At the moment, it has not been possible to provide evacuation plans for people. Ms McEntee said the Irish government has previously chartered flights itself, which would be the preferred option in such a scenario. She added that she appreciates that many Irish citizens in the region wish to get home, but the current advice remains to shelter in place.

Source: Irish Independent March 02, 2026 16:37 UTC