Charlie O'Connor
Question:295 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to assist the Special Olympics to deal with problems relating to the SARS crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14231/03]
Written Answers. - SARS Epidemic.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome is a severe form of pneumonia or infection of the lungs, which appeared recently in south-east Asia. As of 24 May 2003, a cumulative total of 8,141 probable SARS cases with 696 deaths have been reported internationally to the WHO.
I established an expert group in mid-March to monitor the situation as it developed and to advise me of the measures required to deal with this syndrome. This group continues to meet on a regular basis. The group consists of experts from public health and related fields as well as two consultants in infectious diseases and two consultant microbiologists. One of the issues considered in depth by the expert group was the implications of SARS for the Special Olympics. The group considered the matter over a number of meetings and also met with Dr. Richard Pebody of the World Health Organisation, who provided technical advice. Measures considered by the group were grounded in a number of priority objectives to: preserve the low level of incidence of SARS cases in Ireland – to date there has been only one probable case of SARS in this country and that person has now fully recovered; maintain the highest level of public health in Ireland; minimise disruption of normal health services; minimise the risk of introduction of SARS into Ireland; protect athletes and delegates from SARS infected areas – we have a responsibility as the host country to assess and minimise the risk and to provide the best protection, advice and facilities; protect athletes and delegates from other participating countries – we have a duty of care to all attending the games; maintain the integrity of the Special Olympics to ensure the participation of the highest number possible and to create the most conducive atmosphere for the competitors to excel without having undue or unnecessary concerns about their health.
The expert group also considered the nature of the event and its distinctive, unique characteristics in the context of risk assessment and risk minimisation for the importation of SARS. Many of the people with disability participating in the games are at increased risk of infection, particularly respiratory infections, and bringing together people in large numbers would further increase the likelihood of transmission of infectious diseases. The expert group's final recommendation was also based on a number of key questions: would existing measures here be sufficient, how effective would quarantining at port of exit be, how effective would quarantining and screening be in Ireland and, considering all these, what is the best solution?
Having considered all available options in depth, the expert group regretfully requested that certain delegations be asked not to attend the games. The countries would be those which, at the operative time, are on the WHO list of areas with recent local transmission. The operative date would be ten days prior to the normal arrival of such countries before the official start of the games. This decision was not taken lightly. At present the countries on the WHO list of areas with recent local transmission are China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.
I considered the expert group's decision at length. This matter was then discussed with the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste who agreed that the best course of action was to accept the expert group's recommendation. It is unfortunate that this decision had to be made and I acknowledge and regret the disappointment that this has caused. A lot of hard work, time and effort have been put into preparing for and organising the games by the athletes as well as the Special Olympics committee, the host towns and local communities. It should be borne in mind that the WHO status of some countries may change as we get nearer to the date of the games.
The Special Olympics committee has asked to make a presentation to the expert group on this issue and agreement to this request has been granted. The Department of Health and Children will continue to be in constant communication with the WHO and the Special Olympics committee.