DFAT loses the plot – to be sure!
We all appreciate the grandmotherly advice that DFAT provides to protect Australians overseas advising us about not going to places where we might be shot or mugged or to be wary in other places and so forth, but a Travel Advisory issued on 17 April casts some doubt on the credibility of some of DFAT’s advice.
The Travel Advisory in question is for Ireland, yes Ireland………and while Ireland a number of years ago was a very troubled place, it was largely restricted to Belfast and parts of Northern Ireland, with Ireland now a very peaceful place.
This Travel Advisory is rather interesting in that all it really says is: –
** This advice has been revised and reissued.
** It contains new information under Entry and Exit Requirements.
** The overall level of the advice has not changed.
** We advise you to be alert to your own security in Ireland.
** Exercise common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia.
So, if nothing has changed why re-issue it and it hardly seems necessary to do so with the main reason for being no more cautious in Ireland than in Australia not explained at all!
The Advisory goes on to say: –
** Ireland has a low incidence of serious crime, however, violent crime, while rare, is increasing.
** Petty crime, including bag snatching and pickpocketing, is common, particularly in areas frequented by tourists.
** Credit card fraud and ATM scams are increasing.
Yes, so………… if that is the case, why single out Ireland and where are the advisors for heaps of other countries and cities throughout the world where all the above are very common including a number of Australian cities
The Mole can see it now – DFAT Travel Advisory – Caution should be exercised in walking down George Street in Sydney!
The Advisory goes even further to say, in terms of local travel:
** Road conditions on major roads and in urban areas are good.
** However, Ireland’s narrow winding country lanes can be hazardous, particularly at night and when it is raining.
The Mole asks the question, when in Ireland is not raining at some point in 24hrs and isn’t that why it is so green and among the reasons why people go there.
DFAT, your Travel Advisories will be taken much more seriously if you stop crying wolf with advisories such as this!
Oh by the way they have just issued an Advisory about getting mumps in Fiji – the next one will be about the danger of getting colds and flu in winter in New York!
Report and Commentary by The Mole.
John Alwyn-Jones
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