US embassy cable - 04DUBLIN1550

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001550 
 
SIPDIS 
 
PLEASE PASS TO ERATH, O'SULLIVAN, CASHMAN UPON ARRIVAL IN 
COPENHAGEN AND STOCKHOLM 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OTRA, ETTC, PARM, PREL 
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED TO ERATH, O'SULLIVAN, 
CASHMAN 
 
REF: STATE 220978 
 
1.  Post welcomes and grants country clearance to PM/DTCP 
Deputy Director John F. Erath, DRL/PHD Senior Advisor for 
Asia Susan O'Sullivan, and CMDR. Edward Cashman of the Joint 
Staff J-5 to travel to Dublin, Ireland, from October 18 to 
October 20, 2004.  Purpose of visit is to consult with Irish 
governments on maintaining the EU China arms embargo. 
 
2.  Embassy control officer for this visit is Tom 
Rosenberger, office telephone 353-1-668-8054, home telephone 
353-1-260-4795, cell phone 353-87-997-7094, email: 
rosenbergertm@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 Berkeley Court, 
Landsdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 telephone number 
353-1-660-1711, fax 353-1-661-7238  Room rate is Euro 132. 
Reservation numbers are O'Sullivan-265071, Erath-265072, 
Cashman, 265073.  Please provide post with fiscal data or 
credit card information to confirm the reservations. 
 
4.  Please send a cable to post with traveler's security 
clearance information, if not already done, to facilitate 
unescorted access within the Embassy, as required by 12 FAM 
443. 
 
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.  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 (6 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. 
 
8.  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 
 
9.  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. 
 
10.  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. 
 
11.  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. 
BENTON