334 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, his Department and agencies have taken to protect Irish people from SARS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10995/03]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome is an acute respiratory illness of unknown origin which was first recognised in south-east Asia in February. Owing to the serious nature of the infection, its high mortality rate and its spread to a number of different countries, it was declared a threat to international health by the director general of the World Health Organisation in March.