The Irish consular staff met with Paul today.  They spent about an hour with Paul and were able to receive some messages to relay to our family. This was the first visit by any consular staff since January 2d, when the US Embassy staff first saw Paul.  The Irish consular staff said the prison conditions were okay, that he had his glasses, and was working on learning some Russian words.  While we had seen various reports from prison monitors in the media who said they'd seen Paul, it was good to have confirmation through consular staff.  The Irish representatives were able to give toiletries (razor, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush) sent over by the UK Embassy for Paul.  [dw: yes, I mean UK] 

A visit is scheduled for US Embassy staff tomorrow (1/17/2019).  We're thankful for the efforts made on Paul's behalf and will be in close contact with the Irish, US, and other consular staff as they are able to secure visits to see Paul.