Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central Padraig O’Sullivan says its unacceptable that certain pharmacies and retailers across Cork and right around the country have hiked up the price of certain items like hand sanitiser in the wake of the Coronavirus crisis.
Deputy O’Sullivan said, “I am deeply disappointed by a certain number of pharmacy outlets and retailers who have hiked up the price of hand sanitiser in recent days. I have been made aware of cases whereby pharmacies are charging €19 for a 500ml bottle of hand gel.
“This is a clear exploitation of the situation. People are clearly worried about the spread of the virus and want to take steps to prevent infection but they are being taken advantage of.
“I have written to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission asking them to investigate these unfair practices. At a time when society should be working together to protect overall public health I find it deeply disappointing that some businesses are seeking to exploit these exceptional circumstances.
“I believe we could examine the possibility of following in the footsteps of the French government, which has imposed a price cap on hydroalcoholic gels to stop price inflation.
“We must continue to listen to the advice of our medical experts and ensure proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette and take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus. The fact that people are being ripped off by certain businesses is not helping matters”, concluded Deputy O’Sullivan.
