Ebola crisis

It is not so very long ago that every home was issued with iodine tablets to combat radiation in the event of a nuclear attack on Ireland.

That farce, despite a long list of challengers, may have been the high water mark for Irish political comedy. Apart from providing considerable entertainment it unfortunately undermined nearly any attempt at preparing the public to cope with health or terrorist emergencies.

As ebola strengthens its grip on the unfortunate populations of West Africa that indifference is no longer appropriate. Government ministers yesterday outlined various measures that will be put in place in the unlikely, but not impossible, event of an ebola outbreak in Ireland.

Each of us should be aware of the symptoms and know what to do if suspicions are aroused. An outbreak would only become a crisis if ignorance and panic prevail.