Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has told the Dáil that 24,400 Irish citizens have registered their presence in the Gulf and that the number is increasing daily.
Speaking to RTÉ News, she said she understood that around 80% of the people coming back on direct flights from Dubai to Dublin, last night and tonight, were Irish citizens.
The six-day-old Iran War led to the closure of nearly all the airspace in the region, but Emirates flight EK163 landed at Dublin Airport at 11pm last night and another Emirates flight landed in Dublin at 7.14pm this evening.
A large number of the 384 passengers who landed in Dublin last night were people transiting through Dublin before going on to other European destinations.
The minister said there would naturally be other citizens on commercial flights wanting to get home. She added that she is also aware of Irish citizens leaving the Middle East by getting flights to other parts of Europe.
Separately, the Government has chartered a flight for Irish citizens which is due to leave Muscat in Oman tomorrow.
It was previously confirmed that vulnerable passengers would be prioritised for the charter flight.
Ms McEntee said the €800 asked of people taking the flight represents less than half the cost. She said asking for a contribution is normal procedure and no one will be refused access to the flight because of money.
Children will fly for free on the charter flight, which is expected to bring over 300 people home.
The minister also said the Government would pay for transporting people by bus to Muscat from the UAE.
Read more:
Live: Updates as they happen
US should have role in choosing Iran's next leader - Trump
The Minister for Foreign Affairs said she has been deeply concerned since the outbreak of the war last Saturday and at the scenes of death and destruction, and by the impact on Irish citizens.
Those current military operations by the US and Israel have no mandate or authorisation from the UN nor has any attempt been made to seek such an authorisation, she said.
Ireland's position on the use of force outside such a context is well-established and known, she said, and that all states must abide by international law and the UN charter.
However, she repeatedly declined to say whether she thinks the attacks by Israel and US are outside international law.
Disruption to flights to continue for sixth day
Head of Media Relations at Dublin Airport operator daa Graeme McQueen said disruption to flights to and from airports in the Middle East will continue for a sixth consecutive day.
"Eleven of the 13 flights due to operate today between Dublin Airport and the Middle East have been cancelled by airlines. The only two flights still on the schedule are an inbound Emirates flight from Dubai, expected at around 7pm, and an outbound flight to Dubai, due to depart at around 10pm," he said.
"This follows the departure yesterday and overnight of two outbound flights to Dubai, both carrying a small number of passengers, while one inbound flight from Dubai arrived in Dublin late on Wednesday night carrying over 360 passengers.
Today's cancellations take the total number of flights cancelled by airlines since Saturday to more than 70, Mr McQueen said.
"While these movements are welcome, further disruption to Middle East flights is likely in the days ahead. As always, passengers should contact their airline directly for updates regarding the status of their flight."
Here's a reminder of some useful contacts for Irish citizens in the Gulf region.
Citizens Registration: citizensregistration.dfa.ie
DFAT Crisis Team phone number: +353(0)14082000
People from Northern Ireland who do not hold an Irish passport but wish to register their presence with the Irish Government should contact the number above.
People from Northern Ireland who do not hold a British passport but wish to register their presence with the British government can contact the 24/7 Consular Call Centre on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
