Clare’s Independent TD has called for the widespread deployment of rapid COVID-19 tests to allow for people to be screened for the virus.
Deputy Michael McNamara is calling on the State to provide antigen testing kits to people so that they can screen themselves for COVID – the tests can be used in the home and produce a result within minutes.
They have limitations, which the Scarriff TD accepts, but he’s argued that they could be of benefit in the run-up to Christmas, when it’s feared that greater levels of interaction by people could see COVID cases climb.
He has made his case directly to Taoiseach Micheál Martin during a Dáil sitting.
In response, the Taoiseach stated that NPHET is considering the use of antigen tests within healthcare settings, but gave no indication that they could be used on a more widespread basis.
