US embassy cable - 05DUBLIN1387

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001387 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AINF, PGOV, PINR, OTRA, EI 
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED TO ALEX YATES AND 
BERNARD ROGAN 
 
REF: STATE 206787 
 
1.  Post welcomes and grants country clearance to Mr. Alex 
Yates and Bernard Rogan to travel to Dublin, Ireland, from 
December 2 to 6, 2005.  Purpose of visit is to assist in 
implementing the classified web publishing initiative known 
as Net-Centric Diplomacy (NCD). 
 
2.  Embassy control officer for this visit is Pol/Econ OMS 
Tim Markley, office telephone 353-1-630-6276, home telephone 
353-1-660-2037, cell phone 353-86-869-9836, email: 
MarkleyTW@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 Hotel, 
Landsdowne Road, Dublin 4, telephone number 353-1-660-1711, 
fax 353-1-661-7238.  Room rate is Euro 177 and is within per 
diem.  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 (7 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. 
 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
Visit Dublin's Classified Website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/dublin/index. cfm 
KENNY