WITH EIGHT WEEKS to go until Ireland take to the field for the 2016 European Championships, Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has named his first eleven.

The Minister and his department have today issued 11 tips for anyone thinking of travelling to the tournament in France.

Ireland kick off their campaign on 13 June in Paris against Sweden, before heading to Bordeaux to meet Belgium five days later. Martin O’Neill’s men then take on Italy in Lille on 22 June.

Flanagan says that it’s important that fans plan ahead.

“It is vital that Irish citizens use the intervening time between now and travelling in June to prepare properly so that they can have an enjoyable and memorable time supporting the Boys in Green in what we hope will be a very successful tournament for them.”

The Department’s tips are:

1. Check your passport now and make sure that it is valid for duration of your intended travel. Make a copy of it and email it to yourself and a family member at home, in case it gets lost or stolen and you need replacement travel documents.
2. Bring your European Health Insurance Card with you.
3. Plan your itinerary and accommodation well in advance.
4. Get travel insurance.
5. Register with the Department of Foreign Affairs so you can be reached in an emergency.
6. Familiarise yourself with local laws and customs – then obey them.
7. Call, text or post on social media to let family and friends know you’re safe.
8. Steer clear of trouble, drink responsibly and behave respectfully when engaging with local authorities, including local law enforcement agencies.
9. For an emergency in France dial 112.  For consular assistance from the Irish Embassy in Paris, a dedicated phone line will go live on 10th June:  +33 1441 767 80. You can also send an email query through the Embassy’s website.
10. Follow the Department’s Twitter accounts here, here and here.
11. Which is not really a tip: Come on you boys in green.

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