Menu
16/05/2003
Irish Minister defends SARS decision on Special Olympics
The Irish Minister for Health has defended his decision to request teams from some of the countries where SARS is present not to attend the Special Olympics.
The decision by Irish Minister for Health Mícheál Martin to ask some of the teams attending not to travel to Ireland will come as a bitter blow to the athletes who will probably not now be attending the games this summer.
Speaking on Friday the Health Minister rejected claims by the organising committee that the request for teams from countries affected by the SARS outbreak was discriminatory.
The Minister said that the issue was not one of discrimination against particular groups, but was an issue of public health.
He said that the request had been prompted by a recommendation formed after expert opinion had been received. However, the minister said that he would be facilitating a request from the national and international committees of the Special Olympics to make a presentation in the next few days.
It is understood that China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan are on the list of countries asked not to attend the Special Olympics scheduled to be held in Ireland during June.
The decision, which will affect around 250 athletes and support personnel, has outraged many on the organising committee who had established that a voluntary quarantine would be observed for those countries where SARS was present.
The latest advice from the World Health Organisation indicates that people who are symptom free and who have not been in close contact with a suspected case of SARS may travel without additional measures being taken.
(SP)
The decision by Irish Minister for Health Mícheál Martin to ask some of the teams attending not to travel to Ireland will come as a bitter blow to the athletes who will probably not now be attending the games this summer.
Speaking on Friday the Health Minister rejected claims by the organising committee that the request for teams from countries affected by the SARS outbreak was discriminatory.
The Minister said that the issue was not one of discrimination against particular groups, but was an issue of public health.
He said that the request had been prompted by a recommendation formed after expert opinion had been received. However, the minister said that he would be facilitating a request from the national and international committees of the Special Olympics to make a presentation in the next few days.
It is understood that China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan are on the list of countries asked not to attend the Special Olympics scheduled to be held in Ireland during June.
The decision, which will affect around 250 athletes and support personnel, has outraged many on the organising committee who had established that a voluntary quarantine would be observed for those countries where SARS was present.
The latest advice from the World Health Organisation indicates that people who are symptom free and who have not been in close contact with a suspected case of SARS may travel without additional measures being taken.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 October 2010
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
14 February 2022
New Abuse And Violence Strategy Consultations Extended
The development period of two new Executive strategies aimed at tackling violence against women and girls and domestic and sexual abuse have been extended until 21 March. Justice Minister Naomi Long and Health Minister Robin Swann made the announcement as part of the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
New Abuse And Violence Strategy Consultations Extended
The development period of two new Executive strategies aimed at tackling violence against women and girls and domestic and sexual abuse have been extended until 21 March. Justice Minister Naomi Long and Health Minister Robin Swann made the announcement as part of the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
19 November 2020
Health Minister Visits New Nightingale Hospital
Health Minister Robin Swann has visited a new Nightingale intermediate Covid care facility at Whiteabbey Hospital.
Health Minister Visits New Nightingale Hospital
Health Minister Robin Swann has visited a new Nightingale intermediate Covid care facility at Whiteabbey Hospital.
23 November 2011
Special Olympics Clears Funding Hurdle
Funding for a Special Olympics Ulster project has been agreed with news that the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Ministers for Sport, Education, Health and Social Development have announced cross-departmental support.
Special Olympics Clears Funding Hurdle
Funding for a Special Olympics Ulster project has been agreed with news that the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Ministers for Sport, Education, Health and Social Development have announced cross-departmental support.
06 July 2010
Face-Off On Health Cuts Battle
The Stormont Health Minister has been forced into a U-turn on taking part in an Executive 'away day'.
Face-Off On Health Cuts Battle
The Stormont Health Minister has been forced into a U-turn on taking part in an Executive 'away day'.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
