On 16 July, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued an updated briefing document in relation to the H1N1 virus infection (swine flu). The document stated: "The 2009 influenza pandemic has spread internationally with unprecedented speed. In past pandemics, influenza viruses have needed more than six months to spread as widely as the new H1N1 virus has spread in less than six weeks."

In another document advising national authorities as to what precautions should be put in place to contain the spread of the virus, the WHO, under the heading 'Community Mitigation' states: "measures taken by communities, such as social distancing, are important to minimise disease transmission and to reduce or delay disease and death." It also states that "to reduce disease transmission, efforts to reduce crowding and close contact and to minimize gatherings of people are critical".

It is clear that there are many situations where gatherings of people cannot be avoided. However, I cannot understand why the government has set a date for a constitutional referendum on 2 October. It is accepted that the H1N1 virus will become more widespread as we approach winter.

The consequences of holding a referendum on this date are two-fold. Firstly, it is quite likely that many members of the public (particularly the more vulnerable) will hesitate to go out to vote to a crowded polling station. Secondly, those who do vote may be unnecessarily exposed to a potential health risk.

I believe the only responsible thing is to delay the referendum until such time as the fears in relation to this pandemic have passed.

M Madden,

Palmerstown,

Co Galway