The Government has launched its first consular strategy to help Irish people who are travelling abroad.
The policy is designed to keep citizens safe and informed and to provide practical support to those in distress abroad.
It sets out a vision for the development of consular assistance over four years.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has pledged that action will be taken on 90% of requests for help within 24 hours.
"We acknowledge queries within three working days [and] respond within 15 days", the charter says.
"We will not release information about your situation, even to your family, if you don't want us to", it adds.
"We will safeguard your information in full compliance with Ireland's Data Protection Acts".
It also pledges to communicate "using clear and simple language", and to share an individual's personal information with them if requested under the Freedom of Information Acts.
Minster of State for the Diaspora & International Development, @ciarancannon today launched the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade’s first Consular Strategy, TravelWise: Staying safe & informed while travelling abroad. 🌍🇮🇪
Full statement available 👉 https://t.co/yaa4iIg6Ef pic.twitter.com/KhBNePIbka— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) May 16, 2019
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said: "The number of Irish people traveling, working and living abroad is at record levels and with this comes a rising demand for consular assistance.
"We need to constantly adapt our consular services to these developments and that is what this consular strategy, our first, aims to do."
He added: "In the context of Global Ireland 2025, as our network of embassies and consulates expands, this strategy also aims to ensure that we maintain the highest standard in the consular services available to our citizens."
Minster of State for the Diaspora, Ciarán Cannon, said: "I know the importance of engaging with and supporting our citizens abroad and have seen at first hand the difference this support can make.
"Our commitment to maintaining this connection with our global Irish is a key priority of this department."
