Ireland's request that Hong Kong athletes not attend the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in June is unnecessary and unreasonable, the Secretary for Home Affairs said today.

Patrick Ho said he regretted the decision, adding that it was made without giving due regard to the precautionary measures proposed to be taken by the delegation to prevent SARS transmission.

The delegation proposed to the Irish Special Olympics Organising Committee a series of precautionary measures to safeguard participants' health prior to departure for the games.

"Being a member of the international community, Hong Kong will fulfil our obligation in preventing the spread of SARS," Dr Ho said. "There is no ground for undue concern."

Both the World Health Organisation and the US Centres for Disease Control & Prevention do not recommend the exclusion of people from SARS-affected areas to partake in international events.

Special Olympics Hong Kong also shared Dr Ho's views, and said the decision was unfair.

Dr Ho and Special Olympics Hong Kong urged the Irish authorities to reconsider their decision. Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Bureau will maintain dialogue with the relevant parties to resolve the matter.