Hayes asks if Olympics should proceed

Fine Gael Seanad Leader, Brian Hayes, has called on the Government and Special Olympics organisers to outline health and safety measures in place against the risk of SARS virus from delegations travelling to Ireland in June.

And he has called for a "risk assessment" in conjunction with the World Health Organisation to see if the event should go ahead.

"Ireland needs, as a matter of urgency, an effective strategy to prevent SARS getting a foothold in this country. That strategy should include a travel ban, except under strict quarantine procedures, on people coming into Ireland from the worst infected areas," said Senator Hayes.

"It should also include a full risk assessment of the advisability of proceeding with the Special Olympics in the present circumstances.

"That risk assessment should involve senior Government figures, the WHO, the Department of Health and the organisers of the Special Olympics."