Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In August last year a company sent information to the Ceann Comhairle, who gave it to the superior officer, regarding a high performance air cleaner. We have constantly said we are looking for more time to talk in a safer environment and way. The officials did their job and reverted to the company that manufactured the high performance air cleaner. The Government has sat on this since September.

A quote for 40 units was sought. I will not mention the company's name because it would not be fair to do so. The Government received all of the information in September. We had enough for 200 units. The Oireachtas would need 40 units and the rest could have gone to front-line services. We do not have a vaccine for people. We have discussed how to get people back to work safely and make sure that things can be done safely.

A product is available which is used in Germany. It was used in hospitals in Cork yesterday and by Garda services in Ireland. The Government has not replied to the company since September. Some €1.2 million has been spent for us to talk in the Convention Centre, when we could have units in Covid centres to protect front-line services. Why has the Government not replied to the company? It is science. The machines are effective for up to 100,000 microparticles floating in the air. We all know that Covid is airborne. We all wear masks. A unit is available to protect front-line workers and other staff, and the Government has not replied to it. I want to know why.

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