Simon Harris powder terror
»»Varadkar condemns ‘oddball’ hoaxers as bomb unit called in »»Health Dept evacuated as substance is ‘baking powder’
THE cruel hoaxers who yesterday sent suspicious powder in an envelope to the Health Minister have been branded “oddballs”.
Simon Harris and his staff were evacuated from the Department of Health HQ on Dublin’s Baggot Street.
Leo Varadkar called on those with a grievance to confront politicians directly instead of putting staff and families in the firing line.
It was feared the white substance may have been anthrax but it is understood to be harmless baking powder.
The Taoiseach said: “I haven’t had a chance to speak to Minister Harris or his team yet but my particular concerns would be for the staff in the Department of Health who open the mail.
“I don’t know what sort of oddballs send suspicious packages in the post but they should be well aware it’s not the politicians who open the mail, it’s somebody doing a normal job.
“It could be a receptionist, it could be a security guard, a clerical officer or somebody working on a constituency team.
“If you want to come after us, come after us, but don’t come after our staff and our families.”
Health Minister Harris tweeted: “Thank you to the emergency services for their diligence today in responding to an incident at my department.
“The safety of staff must always be paramount.
“Today was a difficult day for them all and particularly those who work so closely with me in my office.”
Earlier bomb disposal teams were called to deal with what was believed to be hazardous material.
In a statement, the Defence Forces said: “An envelope containing a powder was inspected on site and deemed nonhazardous by technicians.
“It was then handed over to An Garda Siochana for further examination. The scene was declared safe and the team departed at 2.30pm. “Should members of the public encounter suspicious items, or potentially hazardous substances they are advised to maintain a safe distance and inform gardai.” A statement from Dublin Fire Brigade said: “The incident on Baggot Street is of a Hazmat nature.
“All resources are in place to resolve the incident. There is no danger to the public. Baggot Street Lower is still closed and we ask the public to respect the emergency cordons.”
A statement published on social media by the Department of Health added: “We have been informed by emergency services our office building will not be reopened for some time.
“All staff should now go home today and monitor this account for further updates.” Despite the health department evacuation, staff could still be seen inside nearby businesses, including shops and cafes, behind the Garda cordon.
At least five fire engines rushed to the scene, along with ambulance staff and a number of Garda support vehicles.
The Defence Forces’ Army Bomb Disposal unit also kept a number of vehicles present on site.
The building was reopened later in the afternoon but staff had already been sent home.
It is believed a couple of workers
Today was a difficult day for my staff. Their safety must always be paramount
SIMON HARRIS TWITTER YESTERDAY