Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 605: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans initiatives by the Irish Embassy in China to cater for Irish visitors to the 2008 Olympic Games; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2342/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am very committed to the well being of Irish supporters travelling abroad to major sporting events. I intend therefore, and as is usual, to have additional resources allocated to our Embassy in Beijing so as to ensure that the best possible service is provided to Irish athletes and supporters for the duration of the Olympic period.

Our Embassy is currently finalising its preparations to deliver such first-class consular assistance. In pursuit of this, the Embassy is in ongoing contact with the relevant Chinese authorities and with the organising committee of the Olympics (BOCOG) to ensure that it is fully briefed on arrangements, and it is also working to the same end with the Olympic Council of Ireland and with our EU partners in Beijing.

In addition to arrangements on the ground, the Embassy and Consular Section at Headquarters are jointly working on a comprehensive travel advisory note for Irish visitors to the Olympic Games. This will be available in due course on the Department's website, www.dfa.ie.