Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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292. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his Department or an agency operating under his Department has encountered expenditure in respect of hand sanitisation products or other PPE products that were subsequently subject to a recall by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in 2020; if so, the expenditure in respect of such products; if the expenditures will be recouped from the sellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35998/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I can advise the Deputy that my Department did not incur expenditure in respect of hand sanitisation products or other PPE products that were subsequently subject to a recall by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in 2020.

In the case of agencies under the aegis of my Department, I can convey the following information.

I am informed by the Adoption Authority of Ireland that it purchased a total of €170.65 (ex. VAT) of sanitisation products that were subject to recall by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in 2020. The expenditure recoupable is €133.25 (ex. VAT) and a recoupment process is currently underway.

I am informed by Tusla that hand sanitisation products and other PPE products were purchased centrally by the Tusla Health and Safety Department on behalf of the Tusla Crisis Management Team and distributed nationally to Tusla offices from March to May 2020. To the best of Tusla's knowledge, no items procured during March to May 2020 are the subject of any recall by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Post May 2020, the purchase of hand sanitisation products and other PPE products was devolved to the four Tusla Regional Offices. At present, it is unknown whether any of the material purchased post May 2020 by Tusla was the subject of any such recall. The necessary enquiries are being made by the appropriate personnel and Tusla will advise the Deputy when the information is received.

I am informed that the National Disability Authority (NDA) incurred expenditure amounting to €454.36 inclusive of VAT for the purchase of relevant hand sanitiser products in June 2020. This product was purchased as part of a programme of preparedness in line with the Government’s Return to Work Protocol. The NDA is currently in contact with the supplier to arrange for a suitable replacement.

I am informed that the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) expended €535.00 (excluding VAT) on wipes that were subject to the recall referred to. These products were replaced by the supplier.

I am informed by the Ombudsman for Children's Office that the Office will respond directly to the Deputy.