In an effort to promote collaboration and commercial interaction in Ireland, the Irish Exporters Association has launched a database of companies producing personal protective equipment, led by the initiative of the IEA Western Regional Network Group, John Carr.

The database aims at including companies in Ireland that produce PPE, but also companies that have repurposed operations to produce face shields and visors, masks, gowns, aprons and hand sanitiser. The IEA is providing support to companies included in the database by exploring and identifying export markets for the essential products.

IEA Chief Executive Simon McKeever commented: "Irish producers of personal protective equipment have proved to be extremely adaptive, efficient and resilient during the pandemic. We want to ensure that their high-quality products are brought to further markets."

"This database is evidence of Ireland’s place as a global leader in the pharmaceutical and life sciences space, in both the production of medicines and devices and now growing in strength in producing personal protective equipment for health care workers," he added.

The database can be found at https://irishexporters.ie/personal-protective-equipment-database/ and the IEA has also made available a COVID-19 update page with resources to help any business.