CODEL LANDRIEU COUNTRY CLEARANCE AUGUST 1-3

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000927

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP AMGT AFIN SASEC
SUBJECT: CODEL LANDRIEU COUNTRY CLEARANCE AUGUST 1-3

REF: SECSTATE 137241


1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance to Senator
Mary Landrieu, Norma Jane Sabiston, and Jason Matthews to
travel to Limerick, Ireland, from August 1 to 3, 2005.
Purpose of visit is to attend a conference on interoperable
communications at the University of Limerick.


2. Embassy control officer for this visit is Tom
Rosenberger, office telephone 353-1-630-6275, 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 for two, Ms. Sabiston and Mr. Matthews, have
been made at Castletroy Park Hotel, Dublin Road, Limerick,
Ireland telephone number 353-61-335-566, fax 353-61-331-117
Room rate is Euro 145. Please provide post with fiscal data
or credit card information to confirm the reservations.

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION


4. There are no visa requirements for visitors traveling to
Ireland on diplomatic or official passports.


5. 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 room.


6. Accommodation Exchange: Post does not have 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


7. 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.


8. 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.


9. 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