COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR USSS PERSONNEL

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000186 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MGTA OTRA SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR USSS PERSONNEL REF: A) USSS 5313 B) FILE 803.010 ¶1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance for USSS David Rosser, Preston Fairlamb, Michelle Coleman, John Marengo, William Smarr, Terry Bank, John Lockwood, Jeremy Casey, John Shirley, Jason Sturdivant, Frank Walkup and Robert Donovan to travel to Shannon, Ireland for February 22 through March 6, 2006. Purpose of visit is to participate in protective support activites for POTUS. ¶2. Embassy POC for this visit is RSO Terry Cobble, office telephone 353 1 630-6215, home telephone 353 1 269-6228, cell 353 87 292-8989, e-mail cobbletl@state.gov. Embassy telephone number while in country is (01) 668-8777 during business hours; (01) 668-9612 after hours. ¶3. Please note that as of March 29, 2004, Ireland has instituted a complete smoking ban in the work place, including all pubs, restaurants, and hotel common areas. Violations 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. GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION ¶4. Please be advised that there are no visa requirements for visitors traveling to Ireland on diplomatic or official passports. ¶5. Major credit cards are widely accepted; ATM machines accept most major U.S. bankcards, and offer the best exchange rates. SECURITY INFORMATION FOR IRELAND ¶6. 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. ¶7. 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. ¶8. 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Visit Dublin's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/dublin/index. cfm BENTON