Finian McGrath
Ceist:283 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether it was an error of judgment to ban athletes with disabilities from visiting this country for the Special Olympics 2003. [14407/03]
Vol. 567 No. 5
283 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether it was an error of judgment to ban athletes with disabilities from visiting this country for the Special Olympics 2003. [14407/03]
323 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if travel restrictions are likely to be imposed with a view to preventing the spread of the SARS virus to this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14434/03]
324 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps which have been taken to prevent, isolate or treat the SARS flu virus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14435/03]
328 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to the total number of SARS cases probable, possible or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14439/03]
330 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that adequate safeguards exist to contain and combat an outbreak of SARS here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14441/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283, 323, 324, 328 and 330 together.
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 World Health Organisation. To date there has only been one probable case of SARS in Ireland; the individual concerned has made a full recovery.
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 Special Olympics. Having considered all of the available options, the expert group recommended 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. This decision was not taken lightly. I considered the expert group's decision at length. I then discussed the matter with the Taoiseach. Both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste 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. Clearly, having asked an expert group of professionals to assess and make a recommendation, it would be wrong to ignore their advice and medical knowledge. 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.