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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
John Kierans

Government to send diplomats to Rugby World Cup in France to 'help fans' who get into difficulty

The Government is to send diplomats across France to help fans who get into difficulty during the Rugby World Cup.

Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin confirmed there will be an enhanced consular presence to assist Irish citizens as required during the tournament.

Ireland has an embassy in Paris and a Consulate General in Lyon.

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Two additional staff have been recruited for a six-month period to support the existing teams.

One additional officer will also be assigned to the Paris embassy for a two-month period during the tournament.

Mr Martin stated: "My Department is implementing a deviated Rugby World Cup 2023 project that includes work on consular assistance as well as promoting opportunities in Ireland during the course of the tournament.

“This will be managed by Ireland’s Embassy in Paris, supported by HQ-based colleagues.

“In addition to our Embassy in Paris and Consulate General in Lyon, pop-up consulates will be established in Bordeaux and Nantes while the games are taking place in those cities.

Ireland fans celebrate Ireland's Bundee Aki’s try against Australia in November (©INPHO/Ben Brady)

“Ireland’s Embassy in Paris will operate an emergency assistance telephone line during the World Cup that will be open Friday-Sunday of match weekends.

“This number will be disseminated across social media, online and via information leaflets ahead of and during the tournament.”

The Minister was responding to a written Dail question on the issue from Paul Donnelly, the Sinn Fein TD for Dublin West.

The Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 8 next and runs until the final in Paris on October 28.

Between 10,000 to 20,000 Irish fans are expected to go to the tournament at different stages.

This number is likely to double if Ireland, as the World's number one ranked team, reaches the final.

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