COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR OBO AUDIT IN DUBLIN

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000315 SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y(ADDED ADDEE ON LINE 7) SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ABLD AMGT ASEC KPWR SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR OBO AUDIT IN DUBLIN REF: SECSTATE 47704 ¶1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance for OBO Auditor Clifford Mecklenburg to travel to Dublin, Ireland from April 22 through May 1, 2006. Purpose of visit is to conduct audit. ¶2. Embassy Control Officer for this visit is GSO Facility Manager Gil Serrao office telephone 353 1 630-6243, home telephone 353 1 205-3635 cell 353 87 127-1901, e-mail serraogw@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 165 room only. Reference Amembassy Dublin. Please provide post with fiscal data or credit card information to confirm the reservations as hotel will release rooms 24 hrs. prior, if required data is not provided. ¶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