Row raises concern for public health

THE threat posed to the Special Olympics

Since the action began, there has been a worryingly high number of cases of TB and meningitis, as public health doctors have stopped their surveillance and control of infectious diseases.

The possible consequences for the general health of the country are considerable, which is why this strike must be resolved as quickly as possible.

That aspect of the issue was mentioned by Dr Joe Barry, president of the Irish Medical Organisation, when he expressed fears that the real risk was not from any possible infection the athletes might bring with them, but what they might pick up while here.

Yesterday, the IMO representing the doctors and the Health Service Employers Agency continued their negotiations at the Labour Relations Commission for the fourth day.

While the dispute is being described as in its eighth week, the row over pay and conditions has actually been going on for as many years.

That it was allowed to fester for such an incredibly long period beggars belief, but now that it is before the appropriate forum, every effort must be made to resolve it satisfactorily for once and for all.