COUNTRY CLEARANCE TO USCBP OFFICIALS MCKEVITT AND

1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance to Kathleen
McKevitt, Acting Director, Field Programs, OFO and Dominique


V. Boisseau, Program Manager, OFO Field and Resource
Management, Field Programs to travel to Dublin and Shannon,
Ireland, from January 17 to 26, 2006. Purpose of visit is to
conduct an operational review.



2. Embassy control officer for this visit is ECON Officer
Joe Young, office telephone 353-1-630-6274, home telephone
353-1-667-3464, cell phone 353-87-415-8748, email:
YoungJM@state.gov. Embassy telephone number while in country
is (01) 668-8777 during business hours; (01) 668-9612 after
hours.



3. Post understands that hotel reservations have been made
travelers and that no post assistance is needed with
accommodations.

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. 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 (approximately 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.

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Visit Dublin's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/dublin/index. cfm
KENNY