China 'anxious' athletes compete in Special Olympics

The Chinese ambassador to Ireland has said he is anxious that athletes from China compete in the upcoming Special Olympic games in June.

The Minister for Health, Mr Micheál Martin met the ambassador this afternoon to discuss issues relating to the SARS virus, in particular how it relates to the Chinese community here.

Speaking at the daily information briefing on the SARS virus, Mr Martin said the Chinese ambassador told him he was "particularly anxious" that China's athletes should compete in the games.

The Minister said the Chinesegovernment had pledged to present a detailed set of assurances to the Department of Health within the next 48 hours.

It is understood part of these assurances will be the screening of athletes and coaches in their own countries, including people being quarantined for 10 days, before they travel to Ireland.

They will also contain access to medical records of all taking part and the provision of adequate medical supervision.

The Minister said he would be guided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) before making a decision early next month on whether infected countries can take part.

The WHO is sending a technical advisor to Ireland tomorrow to advise on measures that should be implemented.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has been removed from the Department of Health's travel advisory list.

Speaking at the briefing the chairman of the Department's SARS expert group, Dr Jim Kiely, said the case of Vietnam showed they had eradicated the disease over a very short period of time by following WHO guidelines.

He said they would make sure SARS does not infect Ireland by using the exact same measures.

Dr Kiely said that the department would not be commenting on individual cases anymore.

The Minister also announced a meeting of EU health ministers to be held next Tuesday to facilitate the sharing of information between member states.

To date there have been 5 suspect cases and 1 probable case of SARS in Ireland.