Clare’s Senator Says Confidence Can Be Restored In Safe Opening Of Schools After Sanitiser Recalled

Clare’s Senator has played down suggestions that confidence in the safe opening of schools has been rocked.

It’s after the Department of Agriculture revoked a hand sanitiser, widely used in schools, due to possible public health concerns.

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Schools were given the option to close today, after a brand of hand sanitiser, which is widely used in schools, was recalled by the Department of Agriculture.

There are concerns that prolonged use of ViraPro may cause dermatitis, eye irritation, respiratory issues and headaches.

It’s one of eleven brands of sanitiser recommended by the Department of Education.

Additional funding will be provided to schools to to purchase supplies from an alternative supplier and several firms are now offering to donate replacement hand sanitisers to allow schools remain open.

Karen Gillen has two daughters in one of the primary schools affected.

She says her children have been complaining about the sanitiser since going back to school in August.
The Department of Education informed schools of the matter last evening, which Sinn Féin’s Education spokesperson says was such short notice for prinicpals and parents.

It’s emerged that approval was revoked on Tuesday and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire believes questions need to be answered over when the Department found out.

Clare’s Fianna Fáil Senator has commended Lisseycasey-based company Chem-Free Me Ltd, which was one of the first to identify problems with some of the products being distributed to schools.

Senator Timmy Dooley has acknowledged the concern among parents, but believes their confidence can restored.