The Irish Hotels Federation has received reassurance from the Department of Health and Children that there is in place an Action Plan to prevent the importation to and the transmission in Ireland of SARS.

This action plan, we are assured is based on the guidance circulated by the European Commission's Communicable Disease Network Committee (CDNC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Details of this action plan and extensive information are available on the Department's website http://www.doh.ie.

The Federation is relieved by this action by the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Michael Martin TD, and is confident that this practice which is based on best available advice is balanced to minimise, as far as is reasonable, the risks while, at the same time, not inconveniencing international travel to and from Ireland.

It is essential that this objectivity is maintained and the measures taken are commensurate with the risks while at the same time allowing normal international travel, which is so important to the Irish economy.

For information contact:
Niamh Boylan, Weber Shandwick FCC, Tel: 01 6760168