The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, said this morning she regretted the "premature" decision by Clonmel town councillors to turn away the Special Olympics team from Hong Kong over SARS fears.
Clonmel Borough Council made the unanimous decision "with regret" not to accept the athletes last night to the Co Tipperary town, where they were due to stay.
"I obviously respect the decision that any local community would make but I do regret it, I think it's premature," Ms Harney said. "I think to make a decision of that kind in advance of the expert opinion from the WHO and our own expertise is regrettable and I hope that other towns don't follow suit.
"This is the biggest sporting event being organised in the world this year. It is a marvellous opportunity to showcase what Ireland can do for Special Olympics and people with disabilities, and there's huge public support around the country."
It was also confirmed this morning that all participants from China, Hong Kong, Canada, Taiwan and Singapore have been asked by the Special Olympics organisers to remain in quarantine for 10 to 14 days before traveling to Ireland in June.
The Director of Support Services for the games, Mr Peter O'Brien, insisted this was only a recommendation. The quarantine was voluntary rather than compulsory, and should not be taken as a "stay away appeal".
He added: "Our measures were to reassure the public, the volunteers and the people of Ireland who are behind the whole Special Olympics world games."
Yesterday, the Chinese ambassador Mr Sha Hailin, gave assurances to the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, that all participants from China would be subjected to stringent measures to ensure they were SARS-free before travelling. The Chinese team will be hosted in Bray, Co Wicklow.
The measures include quarantining the athletes for up to 10 days before they travel and health screening in China.
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