Our queries seeking assurances on the risky PPE China order have not been fully answered

Naturally, there is great reluctance to criticise such an order, given that the health service across the UK is badly in need of such kit.

Indeed, key workers in other spheres outside the NHS, such as in care homes, also need PPE.

That though is not the only consideration in this major order.

It is deeply troubling that civil servants last week expressed major concerns about such an order, in that it was relying on a high risk route from China, in that similar orders around the world have been found to result in defective equipment, and in that it undermined the UK approach.

The last point is not surprising because that has been a key Sinn Fein goal. But republicans are only one element in a multi party executive.

The concerns that have been raised about this order by the civil service (and which are in any event obvious concerns) have not been properly addressed by the parties.

The health minister Robin Swann last week said that he would not issue defective gear to key workers. That, however, is not the point. The point is that this is an order from a highly unreliable country, China. The very fact that such a large deposit is being demanded is of itself something that should ring alarm bells.

Due diligence cannot be abandoned or short circuited at this time, despite the difficulties. After all, if the concerns are unjustified, then why did the departments of health and finance fail to answer our simple queries about standards and other possible problems with the order (see link below)?

Dr Alan Stout, also below, explains that PPE gear is only useful if it is properly used, for which people need training. He also explains the good supply and manufacturing of PPE within the UK.

That further raises doubts about this order, which entails a vast amount of public money.

• Stormont set to press ahead today with controversial £60m PPE downpayment to China

• Dr Alan Stout: Protection equipment is not just about supply, but correct usage of it

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