Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - SARS Virus.

Pat Breen

Question:

567 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the measures he intends to put in place, especially in Shannon Airport, to prevent the SARS virus from entering the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11850/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

An action plan for dealing with the SARS issue has been formulated by the Department of Health and Children and a wide range of measures are being implemented by that Department to prevent the importation to and transmission in Ireland of SARS.

My Department is assisting the efforts of the Department of Health and Children in raising public awareness about the SARS issue and, at the request of that Department, we are continuing to implement a number of measures relating to travel by persons into the country.

Information posters have been erected in prominent positions throughout the three State airports, including Shannon Airport, and the six regional airports. SARS information desks have also been established at each of these airports and have been made available to personnel from the relevant area health boards to provide advice and assistance to passengers arriving in the country. Arrangements have also been made for public announcements to be made on international flights arriving at Irish airports and for passengers on such flights to be provided with a public information leaflet about SARS. Information posters and leaflets have also been supplied to Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann for use on their cross-Border rail and bus services.

The operation of the foregoing arrangements is being monitored by my Department and the Department of Health and Children.