Deputy Sean Canney has been approached by schools which cannot get supplies sof PPE equipment and sanitisers due to unprecedented demand.
Deputy Canney said; “The problem is compounded by the fact that the schools are bound by procurement rules and have to purchase the supplies from suppliers nominated by the Department of Education. The Department of Education did not notify schools of the nominated supplies until Friday August 7, with schools reopening next week this has put the schools in an impossible position.
“I am calling on the Minister and Department of Education, Norma Foley, to relax the procurement rules. This will allow local suppliers become part of the solution and ensure our schools safe. It will also help the local economy. I have been reliably informed that some of the nominated suppliers have received orders for 10 times in excess of the stock they have. There is also a shortage of couriers to deliver the orders.
“This is a crisis and rules on procurement need to be relaxed if schools are to open safely.”
