Olympics committee 'shocked and disappointed'

The Special Olympics Committee says it is shocked and disappointed after the Minister for Health's announcement last night that he will exclude five teams from the games.

Michéal Martin made the decision on the advice of experts on the SARS virus.

Athletes from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore are to be excluded from the games.

The Health Minister said last night that Ireland has a responsibility to protect the health of other delegates.