Protect us from SARS ... and the minister

THE Government’s handling of the SARS issue, and their inconsistency in relation to those people who they feel should not travel to Ireland, underlines their inability to manage a potential public health emergency.

While asking special olympians from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore not to travel to Ireland, they have seem to have no problem with media commentators and spectators coming from these countries for the games, nor do they have any difficulty with tourists and business people from SARS-affected countries visiting Ireland.

Maybe it was the Government’s uninterested, lethargic attitude that prompted EU Commissioner David Byrne to propose the establishment of a european centre for disease prevention and control.

We in Ireland should welcome this initiative by Mr Byrne, particularly in light of the fact that our government is completely at sea on this issue.

The commissioner may look upon this first step as protecting europeans from deadly diseases. We should look upon it as being the first step in protecting Ireland from the jaded minister for health.

Patrick O’Donovan,

Churchtown Road,

Newcastle West,

Co Limerick