Hardware store owners are being reminded by the government that they cannot open to the general public as an essential service.
The statement comes after confusion arose in recent weeks when hardware and gardening stores were classed as ‘essential retail outlets’ under emergency laws.
However, the Department of the Taoiseach states today that such outlets are not to open to the public, except on an emergency basis or for delivery.
The list of essential service providers has not been changed since 28th March: www.gov.ie
Consumers are also being advised to be cautious of online traders making claims of donating items such as face masks and hand sanitiser to healthcare staff.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has said that some online traders appear to be informing consumers that personal protective products they are selling have been donated to hospitals and other healthcare providers.
The CCPC is concerned that such claims are likely to influence consumers when they are considering purchasing PPE products.
“In many cases, it is unclear as to whether or not these donated protective products are suitable for use in healthcare settings and should not be considered as an indication of suitability or standards,” said a government spokesperson.
If a consumer is considering buying hand sanitising products and they are concerned, they can check the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine’s Register for Biocidal Products. Only notified and authorised products listed on the department’s register are legal for sale and use in Ireland.
