Ahern backs Martin over handling of SARS crisis

EMBATTLED Minister for Health Mícheál Martin was backed by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern last night as he continued to face criticism for his handling of the SARS crisis.

As Mr Martin announced that a World Health Organisation expert will advise the Government on what countries will be allowed attend the Special Olympics to minimise the health risks posed by SARS, a Government spokesperson said Mr Ahern was fully supportive of the minister.

The situation has been handled responsibly and the main aim at present was to make the public aware of the threat, the spokesperson said.

Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh and FF TD Noel O’Flynn publicly defended their Cork Fianna Fáil colleague, stating that they had full confidence in his abilities.

Dealing with the foot-and-mouth crisis was different to Mr Martin handling SARS, Mr Walsh said, as when there was a foot-and-mouth outbreak in animals the herd could be depopulated or culled. “He doesn’t have that kind of luxury,” Mr Walsh said.

Later this week, a WHO technical adviser will arrive in Ireland to discuss options on the Special Olympics, already discussed by the National Expert Committee on SARS. Mr Martin said the Special Olympics were going ahead but the participation of SARS-affected countries had yet to be decided. How the games should proceed was not just for the Government to decide because of their international importance, he said.

Department of Health officials are consulting with Special Olympics organisers on how the games should proceed with a decision expected in the middle of May. Mr Martin said his department had formalised ongoing consultations on SARS with the health boards, through the establishment of a National Health Service Implementation Group. He said he was confident the country was now well prepared to deal with any outbreak.