The Taoiseach has warned host towns for the Special Olympics to keep a "sense of perspective" over Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
In a statement, Mr Ahern said he believed it was too early for any of the towns hosting teams from SARS-affected countries that to say adequate arrangements cannot be put in place.
He said the Government was aware of the public health threat posed by SARS and said Ireland's economic interest were also to be considered.
But he added: "There will be 7,000 athletes attending for the Special Olympics, from 166 different countries. About 500 people in total are due to travel from SARS-affected areas in China, Hong Kong and Canada. Half this number would be due to stay in the host towns".
Earlier this week, Clonmel town councillors voted not to accept athletes from Hong Kong over fears of the SARS virus spreading. Greystones, Co Wicklow, later offered to take the teams.
Mr Ahern said the Department of Health and the Special Olympics Committee were working with the World Health Organization to ensure appropriate arrangements were put in place.Ms Mary Davies, chief executive of the Special Olympics Committee, said she shared people's concerns but did not want the athletes to be singled out. "Everybody in the country has a concern," she said.
"I suppose what we are saying is that there is no reason why Special Olympics should be highlighted over and above any other person, or the thousands of persons, students, that can potentially come into the country between now and June 16th when the games are due to start."
She said the health of athletes was being very carefully monitored.
Meanwhile the Irish Hotel Federation (IHF) said it had been reassured by Minister Martin that an action plan was in place to prevent the transmission of SARS to the Republic.
A statement from the IHF said: "The Federation is relieved by this action byMicheal Martin, and is confident that this practice which is based on bestavailable advice is balanced to minimise, as far as is reasonable, the riskswhile at the same time not inconveniencing international travel to and fromIreland.
"It is essential that this objectivity is maintained and the measures takenare commensurate with the risks while at the same time allowing normalinternational travel," it read.
