Stormont set to press ahead today with controversial £60 million downpayment for protection equipment from China

This is in spite of serious concerns raised by a senior civil servant that the PPE — personal protective equipment such as facemasks and coveralls for frontline health workers—may not be up to the required standard.

The Nolan Show on BBC Radio Ulster first reported that a £170m order for PPE was being sought from a Chinese firm. The report – based in large part on an internal Department of Health document – also said £60m had been set aside as a deposit, and that the deal could be sealed today.

But the Nolan Show also quoted serious concerns raised by a top civil servant about the quality of the merchandise may be shoddy, in light of a recent delivery from China to Dublin in which about 35% of the PPE proved worthless.

The News Letter asked the Departments of Health and Finance yesterday to confirm if the Executive is likely to proceed with the £60 million downpayment today.

The News Letter also asked what each department has done to assuage concerns about the quality of the merchandise.

A spokesman for the executive failed to offer any clarity about the £60 million downpayment and, instead, pointed to a joint statement by the Ministers of Health and Finance on Friday.

The spokesman added: “We have no further comment to make at this stage.”

On Friday, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy said: “The company we are actively engaged with is a reputable and quality company and talks are at an advanced stage. The export regulations for PPE that the Chinese government have in place and the standards that companies have to meet also gives us a lot of assurance.”

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “We are working very hard to build up our PPE stockpiles for the post surge period and the expected second surge and I will pursue every feasible route locally and indeed internationally to do this.”

Meanwhile, GPs have written to the Department of Health warning they may be forced to withdraw services if more personal protective equipment is not provided.

In a letter, the chairs of the north and west GP federations said there were shortages of masks and aprons in particular. Dr George O’Neill, chair of the west Belfast federation, told the BBC that GPs were “scared and anxious” about the shortages.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said yesterday “over 16 million items” had been delivered over the weekend.

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

• Morning View: Our queries on PPE China order have not been fully answered

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