Madam, - While I share Ellen Lynch Hegarty's concern regarding the risk of SARS spreading to Ireland (April 24th), I don't think the Special Olympics should be singled out for particular mention. She argues that competitors and their entourages from China, Hong Kong and Singapore should not attend the games.
If you follow that logic, surely all flights from that part of the globe should be cancelled, including business trips. How many people will arrive in Ireland from these countries before the games begin? Selective exclusion is not the answer to this problem. - Yours etc.,
EAMONN TIERNEY,
Beverly Avenue,
Dublin 16.
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Madam, - One single SARS case would have a devastating effect on this country. The Special Olympics ought to be postponed indefinitely.
It's time to stand up and be counted. - Yours, etc.,
BRIAN HUNT,
Ballinagee,
Enniskerry,
Co Wicklow.
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Madam, - If SARS were a threat to cattle the country would have been turned upside down and inside out to prevent its spread. However, seemingly only humans are affected, so there's no need to do anything at all beyond gesture in the direction of recommendations from the WHO, committees of experts, and the mechanical EU response (of course). The suggestion that commonsense measures be introduced immediately is anathema to the massive inertia that defines the response of the Department of Health's bureaucracy.- Yours, etc.,
JOHN BEN HARPUR,
Roristown,
Trim,
Co Meath.
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Madam, - The dithering, downright ineptitude of the Government in dealing with the SARS epidemic is in sharp contrast to the stringent measures it imposed during the foot-and-mouth crisis. Does this imply that animal health - as well as that of the beef and dairy industry - is more important in our State than the health of mere humans?
Consider also the resources used at Shannon Airport to monitor anti-war demonstrations - helicopters, the Garda and the Army. Yet the measures in place at our airports to prevent SARS coming into the country are almost non-existent. Where exactly do the Government's priorities lie - or do we already know the answer? - Yours, etc.,
EILEEN BYRNE,
Carrick West,
Laghey,
Co Donegal.