Ireland is sending medical equipment and personal protective equipment to Lebanon to assist in its recovery from last week's deadly explosion in Beirut.
The HSE is providing the equipment, which will be flown to the middle east by the Defence Forces.
The Health Service has assessed its PPE stocks, and found the shipment will not create any supply difficulties here.
An @IrishAirCorps Casa flight carrying 1200kg of medical supplies for @WHOLebanon arrived in #Beirut this afternoon at 1400hrs (local time).
Soldiers from @irishpolbatt & members of WHO accepted the cargo on arrival.#Beirut_Explosion #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/VKLZwX5hg0— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) August 12, 2020
At least 160 people were killed in the explosion with thousands of others injured.
Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney says Ireland will continue to stand with Lebanon at its time of need.
The Minister says "Ireland sends its deepest sympathies to all of those affected by the terrible explosion in Beirut, particularly those who have lost loved ones.
Ireland enjoys strong relations with Lebanon – it is a country where our peacekeepers have served with distinction since 1978. At this time of need, we stand in solidarity with Lebanon, and I have approved today the dispatch of much needed medical equipment and personal protective equipment.
This material, provided by the HSE and transported by the Defence Forces on board an Air Corps Casa, will greatly assist the efforts of the WHO in Lebanon as they coordinate the international health response to this disaster, as well as the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
