The Minister for Health, Mr Michael Martin has branded as a "premature reaction" the decision of Clonmel town councillors to turn away the Hong Kong Special Olympics team due to fears of the SARS virus.
Speaking at his daily press conference on SARS, Mr Martin said he was disappointed to see such a decision being taken.
"We can all understand the fear and anxiety of the people of Clonmel, but the recent World Health Organisation (WHO)decisions on travel advisories illustrate the need for us to be cautious on this issue," he said.
The Minister was referring to the changing travel advisory advice emanating from the World Health Organisation, which today lifted the travel advisory ban on Toronto.
"We need to be cautious and explore every option, prior to making decisions of this nature," Mr Martin added.
Mr Martin also reiterated it would be mid-May before a decision was taken on the participation of the three "problem countries" in the games, which are due to commence here in June. The countries in question are China, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The SARS expert group was briefed today by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jim Kiely, on yesterday's meeting with the Chinese ambassador. Despite the measures offered by the Chinese, it could not be taken for granted that they would participate in the Games, Mr Martin said.
He also confirmed the re-institution of direct flights between Dublin and Toronto this weekend, in light of the lifting of WHO's travel advisory ban.
On the availability of healthcare over the coming Bank Holiday weekend, the Minister insisted adequate measures were in place to protect the public.
"We have measures in place that will ensure that those in the frontline, working in our hospitals, are fully informed," he stated, adding that an incident room would be in operation at the Department of Health over the weekend.
Earlier, the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, expressed "regret" at last night's unanimous decision of the Clonmel Borough Council not to accommodate the athletes in the county Tipperary town.
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 travelling to Ireland in June.