Loading ...Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahren has revealed that nearly sixty Irish tourists have died overseas this year so far, warning that the number could rise to 300 if the current rate continues. Ahren cites young people misusing drugs and drink as main culprits.
He says, “Today we are travelling in greater numbers to a wider variety of destinations than ever before. Last year alone, Irish residents made almost eight million trips abroad. Figures for the first three months of 2008 show our staff have dealt with almost 60 deaths of Irish citizens abroad, with one third of these in Spain. The figure for the first quarter of 2008 is worryingly high as we have yet to reach the peak holiday season.”
Of the deaths so far this year, an overwhelming 20 were in Spain, with 7 dead in the United States and 5 in Thailand.
Ahren went on to say, “Exercising common sense, taking sensible precautions and obeying local laws and customs will help ensure that the vast bulk of overseas trips will be enjoyable and safe.”