Some Dublin schools may be forced to close today after a certain type of hand sanitiser was recalled because of health safety concerns.
The Department of Education has informed all schools to check if they have used the supplier for this sanitiser and stocks of the product.
Virapro Hand Sanitiser (PCS 100409) showed following tests that some of the sanitiser on sale does not comply with government regulations.
It has been removed from the Biocidal Product Register after it was confirmed that some of the product contains methanol rather than ethanol.
Schools impacted by this recall can choose to close for the day today and should contact the Department on the Covid-19 helpline and email address supplied to schools immediately.
Additional funding will be provided to all schools affected to allow them to purchase other sanitisers from alternative suppliers.
Prolonged use of such sanitiser may cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation and headaches.
The statement went on to say: "This product may not remain on the market or be made available for use. The company involved has been instructed by the Department to initiate an immediate recall of all product.
"Members of the public are advised to stop using this Sanitiser with immediate effect. A Department investigation into this matter is ongoing."
