IT COULD COST over €5 million just to dispose of alcohol handrub that was purchased during the pandemic amid Ireland’s struggles against the Covid-19 virus.

TDs on the Dáil’s Public Accounts on Committee (PAC) were told this week that the HSE is facing a hefty bill to safely dispose of the handwash.

HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster told the PAC that handgel is “very tricky” to dispose of, as “you can’t pour it down the sink” or incinerate it.

The committee heard that it could cost up to €5.5 million by the time all of the gel has been disposed.

The discussion on the outdated Covid-era supplies focused on the financial impact of products, some of which were bought without a procurement process taking place.

Another bill facing the HSE is the €33.8 million for disposal of outdated vaccines and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks.

The reason cited for the costs for outdated vaccines is because the Covid-era drugs have varying shelf lives.

Their purchase was also influenced by medical advice and EU agreements, the TDs were told.

Gloster reminded TDs of the “panic to make sure Ireland secured its supply” of vaccines during the pandemic, which he said contributed to the oversupply of vaccines, handgel and PPE.

Up to €7.5 million has been allocated for PPE disposal costs. The surgical masks that are due to be disposed of have a 5-year shelf life and will soon become obsolete.

The weekly usage is currently 55,000 masks, significantly lower than past levels.