COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED TO SPECIAL ENVOY FOR NI

1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance to U.S.
Special Envoy for Northern Ireland Mitchell Reiss and Special
Assistant Genevieve Libonati to travel to Dublin, Ireland,
from January 29 to 31, 2006. Purpose of visit is to meet
with GOI and party officials to advance the Northern Ireland
Peace Process



2. Embassy control officer for this visit is Pol/Econ Chief
Mary Daly, office telephone 353-1-630-6276, home telephone
353-1-660-2113, cell phone 353-87-223-0103, email:
DalyME@state.gov. Embassy telephone number while in country
is (01) 668-8777 during business hours; (01) 668-9612 after
hours.



3. Per reftel request, reservations have been made at the
Merrion Hotel, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, telephone
number 353-1-603-0600, fax 353-1-603-0700. Room rate is Euro


216. Please note that since the decrease in Lodging Rate for
Dublin in December 2005 the Merrion is no longer within per
diem. Currently the rate is approx. Euro 10 over max.
lodging rate. Please provide post with fiscal data or credit
card information to confirm the reservations.



4. Post will meet and assist upon arrival and provide
transportation. Please forward arrival information as soon
as available.

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION



5. There are no visa requirements for visitors traveling to
Ireland on diplomatic or official passports.



6. 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.



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