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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

Ceisteanna (822)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

822. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the stock of personal protective equipment, PPE, held in reserve by her Department in anticipation of a second wave of Covid-19 or another health emergency requiring all members of An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service, prison staff and other related services to be equipped 24-7 with same. [19172/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department continues to work closely with all relevant justice sector agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service, to address the significant challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and to respond to the evolving situation in line with public health advice.  The welfare and safety of our frontline staff providing essential services at this time is of paramount importance.

I understand that the Irish Prison Service supply PPE to all areas within the prison estate including Prison Service Escort Corps staff.  I have been advised that the IPS maintain fortnightly records of the use within each prison to ensure all prisons have appropriate PPE stock levels at all times.

The Service have advised that the current PPE stock level as of 27 July 2020 is as follows, 73,220 FFP2 Masks, 791,900 Surgical masks,  6,867 goggles, 3,910 face visors, 59,000 aprons and 15,000 gowns.

In addition, the prison estate is in receipt of a supply of gloves 500,000 in the last two weeks and that a stock of 1,000,000 Gloves are available in stores, in addition to the equipment outlined above.

I am advised that the Probation Service currently has a limited supply of PPE to hand but is working to procure additional stock, as required. While the wearing of PPE in the Probation Service is not mandatory at present, this is an evolving situation (and subject to the advice of relevant health experts). 

An Garda Síochána is playing a key role in supporting the public health guidelines and restrictions which are in place to prevent or reduce spread of the Covid-19 virus.

The Commissioner is by law responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of resources and deployment of equipment. The Commissioner also has responsibility for the safety, health and welfare of Garda members.

I am informed that An Garda Síochána provides all Garda Divisions and Specialist Units with PPE on a weekly basis from central stores. I understand that PPE supplies are then distributed by each Division to all Garda Stations under their aegis, to ensure that Garda members and staff have adequate supplies available to meet operational requirements. I understand that a Divisional Inspector is responsible for the distribution of PPE in each Division and stocks are replenished on request. 

To give a sense of volume, I understand that in the period from the onset of the virus until mid-May, approximately 2 million pairs of disposable gloves, over 200,000 face masks and 50,000 litres of hand sanitiser in refillable plastic bottles were distributed.

An Garda Síochána continues to provide members with items of the following PPE including, hand sanitizer, protective gloves, anti-bacterial wipes, cleaning agents, visors, goggles and other items of PPE equipment, as requested.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the organisation currently has six months’ stock which is being maintained to ensure members have ready access in anticipation to future COVID-19 or other health emergencies.

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