Helpline set up for those with family in the Gulf

The Department of Foreign Affairs has set up a helpline number for people to call if they are concerned about friends or relatives in the Gulf region.

The free helpline will be operated by Department staff who will liaise with Irish diplomatic and consular officals in the region. The number is 1800-715124.

There are only a handful of Irish citizens in Iraq, most of them journalists, according to a Department spokesman.

There are considerably more citizens in Kuwait, but they are being advised to leave as soon as possible.

Citizens who intend to remain in Kuwait have been asked to report to the Irish consul. They have been warned, however, that should the conflict escalate, it may not be possible for consul staff to help them.

The Government has advised against all non-essential travel to the Middle East. Irish people in Israel are advised to leave unless they consider their presence essential, while all travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip is discouraged.

Irish people in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Yemen Qatar and Bahrain are also strongly encouraged to leave.

"Irish citizens generally, and in particular in the Middle Eastern region, should be aware of the increased possibility of terrorist attacks as a result of the conflict in Iraq and should exercise extreme vigilance and caution in their movements at all times," a Department statement said.