US embassy cable - 04DUBLIN1710

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001710 
 
SIPDIS 
 
CODEL 
 
DEPT FOR H FOR RICHARD FONTAINE, ELLEN BRADY OF SENATORS' 
MCCAIN/GRAHAM 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OREP, AMGT, ASEC, AFIN 
SUBJECT: MCCAIN/GRAHAM CODEL TO DUBLIN 
 
REF: A. STATE:247344 
 
     B. 11-18-04 BENTON-FONTAINE EMAIL 
 
1.  Post warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to 
Senator John McCain, Senator Lindsey Graham and delegation of 
officials to travel to Dublin, Ireland, from December 1 to 3, 
2004.  Purpose of visit is to meet with Taoiseach, (PM) 
Bertie Ahern and address Trinity College Philosophical 
Society. 
 
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 Fitzwilliam Hotel, St. 
Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, telephone number 353-1-478-7000, 
fax 353-1-478-7878. 
 
4.  If access to the Embassy is requested or anticipated, 
please send a cable to post with traveler's security 
clearance information, 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 rooms. 
 
7.  Embassy personnel will meet the delegation at Dublin 
Airport upon arrival on November 14.  Members of the 
delegation who have special transportation needs should 
communicate these requirements to control officer Joe Young. 
 
8.  Accommodation Exchange:  Post will not be able to offer 
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. 
KENNY