Minister Ahern announces establishment of Honorary Consulate in Phuket

Minister Ahern also said today that the Government is to press ahead with the appointment of an Irish Honorary Consul in Phuket, Thailand.

Pending its formal establishment, Minister Ahern has appointed an Irish resident there, Ms Fallon Wood, to represent the Department, and to act as a point of contact in regard to the search for Irish citizens missing in that area.

The Minister said:

“We have allocated €20 million for the relief of the victims of the crisis - and are specificially targeting €500,000 for Phuket. The overall funding will focus on the immediate emergency needs of the most vulnerable sections of the populations affected, particularly in Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

“As the emergency phase moves towards recovery and reconstruction, Ireland's assistance will focus on strengthening national efforts.  Generally our assistance will fund the provision of shelter and basic services.  The rebuilding of livelihoods will also need to be an important component of our overall recovery strategy.”