Vol. 487 No. 4
128 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether a person (details supplied) with an Irish passport should take up a contract in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in view of the current political unrest; the Irish facilities, if any, that are available there; if she can practice her Catholic religion; the safeguards, if any, that are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4356/98]
There is currently no increased threat to the 3,000 or so Irish citizens in Saudi Arabia. However, in view of heightened tensions in the region Irish citizens in all Middle-Eastern and Gulf States are being reminded of the importance of registering and maintaining contact with our embassies and consulates there, from which up-to-date situation reports and advice are available. Any Irish person taking up residence in Saudi Arabia should register at and maintain contact with our embassy in Riyadh, PO Box 94349, Riyadh 11693, telephone (009661) 488 2300, fax (009661) 488 0927. The embassy will immediately advise Irish citizens if it becomes necessary that increased precautions be taken. The public practice of any religion, other than Islam, is not permitted in Saudi Arabia.
