WHO slams Govt Special Olympics ban

The World Health Organisation and the Washington-based organisers of the Special Olympics have criticised the Government's decision to ask five teams from areas affected by the SARS virus not to attend the games next month.

Athletes from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore are being excluded from the games, after the Health Minister took advice from Ireland's expert group on SARS.

The WHO says the decision contravenes its guidelines, while the US based organisers of the games have implored Michéal Martin to re-think the move.