A lot of mis-information seems to be circulating outside of Ireland about tourist facilities in Ireland over the coming months as a result of the Foot and Mouth situation. While events in March and April, and some in June were cancelled as a precaution, events later in the season are mainly going ahead. One event which is definitely going ahead is the 4th Irish Genealogical Congress at Trinity College, Dublin, 17-23 September 2001. Below are extracts from the April 2, 2001 Update on Information on Foot and Mouth on the Official Website of the Irish Tourist Board >>> http://www.ireland.travel.ie/home/ Go there for the full story. Paul Gorry IGC Chairman "In a statement issued yesterday by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Mr. Joe Walsh TD, announced that he had accepted the Expert Groups recommendation regarding certain adaptations/clarifications of the controls in place against foot and mouth disease. "As a result of this Heritage sites around Ireland, where there has been no livestock since the 1st February have re-opened to the public. Certain events and festivals where there is no contact with livestock will also be permitted to go ahead, as long as adequate disinfection procedures are in place........ "Visitors will continue to receive a warm Irish welcome throughout the Republic of Ireland. However in order to ensure that the spread of Foot and Mouth disease is contained, all visitors are being asked to co-operate fully with the advice and recommendations of the Department of Agriculture and other Official bodies. "There are no people visitor restrictions into the country. Disinfectant procedures are in place at air and ferry ports. However, there is a ban on the importation of livestock, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, greyhounds, working dogs (domestic dogs at present excluded) and horses. "Regrettably, as a precautionary measure, a small number of tourist facilities have been temporarily closed and a number of events and activities have been postponed or cancelled. However you are still guaranteed to have a great time here. There continues to be plenty of enjoyable things to see and do while in Ireland...... "The majority of visitor attractions are now accepting groups again; however, it is best to confirm this directly with the visitor attraction."