MCCAIN/GRAHAM CODEL TO DUBLIN

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001710 SIPDIS CODEL DEPT FOR H FOR RICHARD FONTAINE, ELLEN BRADY OF SENATORS' MCCAIN/GRAHAM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN SUBJECT: MCCAIN/GRAHAM CODEL TO DUBLIN REF: A. STATE:247344 ¶B. 11-18-04 BENTON-FONTAINE EMAIL ¶1. Post warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to Senator John McCain, Senator Lindsey Graham and delegation of officials to travel to Dublin, Ireland, from December 1 to 3, ¶2004. Purpose of visit is to meet with Taoiseach, (PM) Bertie Ahern and address Trinity College Philosophical Society. ¶2. Embassy control officer for this visit is Tom Rosenberger, office telephone 353-1-668-8054, home telephone 353-1-260-4795, cell phone 353-87-997-7094, email: rosenbergertm@state.gov. Embassy telephone number while in country is (01) 668-8777 during business hours; (01) 668-9612 after hours. ¶3. Reservations have been made at Fitzwilliam Hotel, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, telephone number 353-1-478-7000, fax 353-1-478-7878. ¶4. If access to the Embassy is requested or anticipated, please send a cable to post with traveler's security clearance information, to facilitate unescorted access within the Embassy, as required by 12 FAM 443. GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION ¶5. There are no visa requirements for visitors traveling to Ireland on diplomatic or official passports. ¶6. Please note that as of March 29, 2004, Ireland has instituted a smoking ban in the work place, including all pubs, restaurants, and hotel common areas. Violation of this law may result in a fine of up to Euro 3,000. Check with hotel staff upon arrival to determine if smoking is permitted in hotel rooms. ¶7. Embassy personnel will meet the delegation at Dublin Airport upon arrival on November 14. Members of the delegation who have special transportation needs should communicate these requirements to control officer Joe Young. ¶8. Accommodation Exchange: Post will not be able to offer check cashing or money changing facilities. Major credit cards are widely accepted; ATM machines accept most major U.S. bankcards and offer the best exchange rates. SECURITY INFORMATION FOR IRELAND ¶9. Post is unaware of direct threats against Americans or U.S. interests in Ireland, and Ireland remains a relatively safe country where anti-American sentiment is rare. For additional threat assessment information regarding Ireland, you may contact DS/DSS/ITA (Diplomatic Security's Office of Intelligence and Threat Assessment) in the State Department at 202-663-0787. TDY visitors staying longer than 30 days should schedule a briefing with the Regional Security Officer. ¶10. Street Crime: Like any large urban center, Dublin has its share of street crime, especially pick-pocketing and purse-snatching. Valuables should not be left unattended in cars and should be kept in hotel safe deposit boxes. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Violent confrontations and use of firearms are rare, however, and with reasonable precautions and common sense visitors should be able to enjoy a safe visit. Police services are excellent; the number for emergency services in Ireland is 999 or 112. ¶11. Terrorism: Ireland, like the rest of the world, shares an increased threat of terrorist incidents of international origin. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious people or activities to the police or RSO. KENNY