Louth holidaymakers heading abroad in the coming weeks should heed the urgent travel advice issued by Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin following a surge of emergencies involving Irish people, according to local Fianna Fáil Senator, James Carroll.

“Minister Martin has confirmed that during the first six months of his year officials from his Department have come to the assistance of over 600 Irish people following accidents, crimes and illness abroad. The figure represents a 22% increase on the same period last year.”

“We are now entering the peak period for Louth people travelling overseas and I want to encourage people to take a number of precautions to ensure they have an enjoyable, safe and secure break.”

“It is absolutely essential that Louth people take out travel insurance. In addition to taking out the insurance it is important to check the terms and conditions to make sure there is cover for illnesses, for driving abroad and to examine under what circumstances the insurer considers the policy void.”

“The Department of Foreign Affairs posts the latest travel advice for every country on its website at www.dfa.ie. It is important to log on and see what particular recommendations are made for your destination.”

“The site contains advice on local laws and customs and it is important to become familiar with them. Remember what may be considered a minor offence in this country can often carry a heavy penalty abroad.”

“It is very important to check and examine your travel documents, make sure you know the times and dates of flights or ferries and do not leave it until just before leaving home to check your passport is up to date.”

“While almost every day during this time of year there are news stories of Irish people being caught up in accidents or other major incidents abroad, it is important to note that everyday tens of thousands of our citizens travel and enjoy holidays in complete safety. By taking these simple precautions before heading to the Airport or Ferry Port, Louth people can try and ensure that they too will holiday in safety,” concluded Senator Carroll.

I have compiled a ‘To Do List’ for when travelling:

To be doubly safe this Summer, ensure that your time abroad is enjoyable.  Check the following:

• Passports are in date
• Visas, if necessary, have been obtained
• Travel Insurance has been arranged
• Health precautions have been taken
• Foreign Currency has been can often carry a heavy penalty abroad.”

  “It is very important to check and examine your travel documents, make sure you know the times and dates of flights or ferries and do not leave it until just before leaving home to check your passport is up to date.”

  “While almost every day during this time of year there are news stories of Irish people being caught up in accidents or other major incidents abroad, it is important to note that everyday tens of thousands of our citizens travel and enjoy holidays in complete safety. By taking these simple precautions before heading to the Airport or Ferry Port, Louth people can try and ensure that they too will holiday in safety,” concluded Senator Carroll.

  I have compiled a ‘To Do List’ for when travelling:

  To be doubly safe this Summer, ensure that your time abroad is enjoyable.  Check the following:

  • Passports are in date
  • Visas, if necessary, have been obtained
  • Travel Insurance has been arranged
  • Health precautions have been taken
  • Foreign Currency has been purchased
  • Electrical adapters are packed
  • Emergency contact details are left with someone at home

  Passports
  It is vital to check whether your passport is still valid long before you travel.  Some countries now insist that a passport be valid for at least six months after the start of a visit, so check the expiry date carefully.

  The busiest period for the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork is from Easter up to end of July. During this time, please allow at least six weeks for your application to be processed if you apply by regular post.    Applicants are  encouraged to use the Passport Express Service.

  One final point, an incredible number of Irish passports are lost every year. Irish passports are – as the recent news shows – much sought after. Keep your passport in a safe place and protect your identity.
  
  Health cover while abroad
  As an EU citizen you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there.

  Until now, you needed to complete and submit either the E111 or the E128 form to the Health Board to be eligible for treatment. The process could be slow.  These paper forms are being replaced by the European Health Insurance ( E111) Card. One Card is needed for each individual or member of the family.  For details on how to apply for an E111 card cl