UNCLAS DUBLIN 000198

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR HHS/OS/OGHA TERRY GAY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KSCA TBIO OTRA EI UK
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR HHS PERSONNEL

REF: SECSTATE 30130


1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance for Judith
Fradkin, M.D., Director, Polly Sager, Ph.D., Assistant
Director and Philip Budashewitz,R.Ph. to travel to Dublin,
Ireland for the dates noted in Reftel. Purpose of visit is
to meet with Irish and Northern Ireland counterparts to
discuss areas of potential collaborative research under the
U.S. - Ireland R&D Partnership.


2. Embassy Control Officer for this visit will be ECON
Officer Joe Young, office telephone 353 1 630-6274, home
telephone 353 1 667-3464 cell 353 87 415-8748, e-mail
youngjm@state.gov. Embassy telephone number while in country
is (01) 668-8777 during business house: (01) 668-9612 after
hours.


3. Reservations have been made at the Herbert Park Hotel,
Ballsbridge Terrace, Dublin 4, per reftel instructions.
Telephone number 353 1 667-2200. Room rate is Euro 125 room
only. Reference Amembassy Dublin. Post notes and
appreciates the inclusion of fiscal data.


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.

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.
KENNY