COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR RFMS DIRECT CONNECT TRAINING

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000196

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AADP ACOA AFIN AMGT ASEC OTRA
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR RFMS DIRECT CONNECT TRAINING
AND SUPPORT

REF: CHARLESTON 323


1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance for Robin
Faass, Jacques Anime, Brandee Thacker, and Aldo Bottari to
travel to Dublin, Ireland from March 11 through April 8,

2006. Purpose of visit is to provide training on the
Web-based version of RFMS/Momentum.


2. Embassy Control Officer for this visit is MGT Officer
Officer Michael Scanlon, office telephone 353 1 668-8777
x2241, home telephone 353 1 218-0990 cell 353 87 223-0106,
e-mail scanlonmh@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 the Herbert Park Hotel,
Ballsbridge Terrace, Dublin 4. Telephone number 353 1
667-2200. Room rate is Euro 125 room only. Reference
Amembassy Dublin. Please note reservations WILL BE CANCELLED
48 hrs prior if fiscal data or credit card information is not
provided to confirm the reservations. Please e-mail details
to post's travel officer Owen Mansfield at
mansfieldoj@state.gov at your earliest convenience.


4. 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


5. Please be advised that there are no visa requirements
for visitors traveling to Ireland on diplomatic or official
passports.


6. Post policy is to provide airport pickup for employees
at the rank of Deputy Assistant Secretary or above. Other
travelers should take the Dublin Aircoach (7 Euro one way,
departure every 15 minutes) or a taxi (approx. 25 Euro one
way). Travelers arriving with excess equipment or having
special transportation needs should communicate those
requirements to their Embassy control officer prior to
arrival.


7. 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


8. 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.


9. 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.


10. 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
KENNY