Madam, - I strongly reject the suggestion made by Dr Vincent Carroll (May 22nd) that the decision made in relation to the participation of athletes from SARS-affected countries in the Special Olympics World Games had any political basis.
In March of this year I established an expert group to advise the Government on the measures required to deal with the SARS virus. It is made up of independent professionals drawn from the wider healthcare system in the fields of microbiology, public health, infectious diseases, primary care, infection control nursing, and others. The group provides independent medical and public health advice to the Minister and the political system based on the highest professional public health standards.
The expert group, having spent a considerable amount of time considering the various options, recommended to me that delegations from countries on the World Health Organisation's list of SARS-affected areas be asked not to attend the Games. There was no political input into this decision. I am delighted that the Philippines, having now come off that list, will now be attending.
In relation to the WHO guidelines, it is important to note that the WHO issued generic guidelines in relation to mass gatherings. It has stated on a number of occasions that any decisions about such gatherings are left to the authority of individual countries, "based on their own assessment of the nature of the event". Furthermore, the WHO has also stated publicly that it is "happy with the rationale" used for the recommendation.
I strongly believe that, having asked an expert group of professionals to assess and make a recommendation, it would be wrong to ignore their advice and medical knowledge. - Yours, etc.,
MICHEÁL MARTIN, TD,
Minister for Health
and Children,
Dublin 2.
Madam, - I heartily agree with the decision of our Government to request Special Olympics athletic teams from countries affected by the SARS epidemic, and their handlers, not to come here.
I congratulate the Government and Health Minister, Michéal Martin, in particular, for having acted so responsibly in making this very difficult decision. All concerned must have been fully aware of the allegations of discrimination and general abuse they would have to suffer.
I cannot help but wonder what the legal position of the Government would be if, having failed to make this kind of awkward decision in such dangerous and even perilous circumstances, members of the public were affected by the SARS epidemic as a result of Government negligence. Would the patients who survived and the dependants of victims who did not, be entitled to sue the State? I think they would.
After all, the greatest responsibility resting on the shoulders of any government is the protection of all its citizens, at all times and in all circumstances whatever the cost.
Would those who are so critical of the Government right now, should any one of them become infected and survive, refuse to sue the State? I doubt if very much but I could be wrong.
Finally, the death of one citizen of this State from SARS is one death too many, and particularly so should that citizen be myself. - Yours, etc.,
W.G.A. SCOTT,
Friars Hill,
Wicklow.