Trade delegations escape travel ban

TRADE delegations from countries with outbreaks of SARS will continue to travel to Ireland, despite the ban on athletes travelling to the Special Olympics.

Diplomatic officials in Ireland and abroad have confirmed there are no restrictions on other visitors to Ireland from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Staff at some of the five affected embassies said the only restrictions on visitors from their country to Ireland were on athletes and officials from their Special Olympics delegations.