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[Press Release: April 22nd, 2003] MICHAEL MARTIN MUST RESOLVE PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS AS A MATTER OF URGENCY SAY GREENSThe Green Party has expressed its concern about the ongoing strike amongst public health doctors given the SARS epidemic which is spreading to various parts of the globe. Green Party councillor, Deirdre de Burca has expressed her disbelief that Minister Martin has not chosen to intervene in the strike to date, given the serious implications the strike may have for a failure to contain the SARS virus in this country.Councillor de Burca has expressed her concern about the fact that up to 1,000 chinese delegates will be hosted by Bray during the Special Olympics in June of this year. Given that the SARS virus originated in one of China's provinces, councillor de Burca believes that the necessary precautions and protocols should be in place to respond to any possible difficulties that may arise. "If the SARS virus spreads to any great extent in the meantime, a decision may be made by the Chinese and other delegations not to travel" she says. "However, if this is not the case, we will still need a very good system in place to identify any possible carriers of the virus and to take immediate action if necessary." Councillor de Burca points out that the public doctors have been looking for the Department of Health to fulfil commitments made to them nine years ago when their posts were established. "There are only 300 public health doctors in this country" says de Burca. "It is quite difficult to understand why Minister Martin will not intervene in this emergency situation and ensure that public health is protected". The Green Party councillor claims that the demands of the public health doctors are very reasonable and that the Minister or his officials should progress negotiations towards ending the strike as a matter of urgency. For further information please contact Deirdre de Burca on 086 8061450 or email deburca@wicklowgreens.org. |