The National Disability Authority (NDA) has welcomed the Department of Health expert group's decision to review its recommendations on Special Olympics athletes travelling to Ireland.
NDA chairperson Ms Angela Kerins said there were many people in the disability sector who would welcome yesterday's decision to allow these athletes to travel.
"However we remain concerned that athletes from the affected areas will not be able to participate while all others in their country are free to travel to Ireland without restriction," she added.
"I know the host towns will also be delighted at theprospect of welcoming these very special athletes.
"All of us in the disability sector now want to turn to the games themselves and hope that in this European Year of People with Disabilities, the potential of people with intellectual disabilities is celebrated and feted during this most special of events."
Towns hosting the Special Olympics athletes also welcomed the expert group's decision.
Mr Pat Vance, chairman of the Special Olympics committee in Bray, Co Wicklow, said the people of the town were delighted.
The town had originally expected 124 visitors, but was told none could travel as a precaution in light of the SARS outbreak. Around 64 athletes, coaches and family members will now travel to Bray.
The Green Party also said it broadly welcomed the selective lifting of the travel ban. However, the party's health spokesman, Mr John Gormley, said Ireland was "singling out" athletes taking part in the Special Olympics while so many others travelled to this country from those areas.