UNCLAS DUBLIN 000444

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA IE UK
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR OVP ADVANCE

REF: WHITE HOUSE DTG 211844Z APR 06


1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance for lead
advance Jesse Suskin to travel to Shannon, Ireland from April
28 through April 29, 2006. Purpose of visit is OVP advance


2. Embassy Control Officer for this visit is GSO Ernest
Parkin, office telephone 353 1 668-8777 x 2232, home
telephone 353 1 218-9598 cell 353 87 929-3403, e-mail
parkinej@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.

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