Defence Forces to chip in for Special Olympics

Over 800 members of the Defence Forces are being mobilised for next month's Special Olympics.

The event involves over 7,000 athletes, family members and coaches.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has been discussing the SARS crisis, which may prevent athletes travelling here from affected areas.

Health Minister Micheál Martin said this afternoon at the WHO headquarters in Geneva that the countries worst hit by the bug are being closely monitored.