Concerns about the quality of some protective equipment imported into Ireland from China amid the coronavirus pandemic have emerged across the country.
Images posted online show gowns with three-quarter length sleeves, leaving arms exposed.
Health chiefs have acknowledged supplies in some cases are different to what medics here are used to.
They are attempting to source additional equipment.
A €200m order has seen plane-loads of kit arriving in Ireland over recent days.
It is intended to protect doctors and nurses who are braced for a surge in the number of Covid-19 patients in the country’s hospitals over coming weeks.
However, the Department of Health has confirmed that no joint order has been placed for personal protective equipment (PPE) from China in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Executive
A spokeswoman said: “We are ready to discuss any area where we can co-operate effectively, North and South, including on procurement of PPE and critical supplies.
“In relation to procurement, while it has not so far proved possible to place a joint order in the context of what is an increasingly challenging international environment, discussions between procurement teams are ongoing and active, and it remains our intention to continue to co-operate in this area.”
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said: “The equipment that is available in some circumstances is different to that which our healthcare professionals are used to.
“It is being tested and assessed by the Health Service Executive.
“Good use will be found for it. We will continue to look for additional equipment.
“It has become such a competitive environment for this equipment and we are looking at this all the time.”
Paul Reid, HSE chief executive, said supplies had been arriving on Aer Lingus flights since Sunday.
He added: “We are engaged worldwide to secure alternative stocks should these supplies not materialize to the extent that we expect.
“It is a very competitive worldwide market but our procurement teams have done really well to secure what we have to date.”