Leinster Rugby Supporters Club has chosen the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust as its charity partner to raise funds for repatriation of Irish people who die abroad, in memory of a St Michael’s leaving certificate student Andrew O’Donnell, who died on the Greek island of Ios last summer.
With deaths abroad now running 30pc ahead of pre-pandemic and more than 38pc of holiday makers (and an estimated 60pc of younger people) travelling without travel insurance, the cost of repatriation has become a live issue.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was established by the Bell family in Newry, Co Down, after their son Kevin died in a hit and run incident in New York.
The trust has helped repatriate 1,765 individuals so far, with an average of one person per day being brought home.
Repatriation costs vary depending on the location, with costs roughly averaging €2,000 for the England, €6,000 for Europe, €8,000 for the Middle East and Far East, and up to €10,000 for the USA.
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides consular support to individuals in situations involving death abroad, including notifying loved ones, offering travel information, and liaising with relevant police forces.
The department does NOT provide financial assistance for repatriations, leaving families responsible for significant costs.
