Clare Government Deputies appear on a collision course with the Transport Minister on their endorsement of rapid antigen testing for international travel.
It comes as Eamon Ryan says the Cabinet would introduce antigen tests straight away, but only IF the Chief Medical Officer approved their use.
Non-essential travel is set to resume on July 19th, including at Shannon Airport – however rapid testing is not going to be used to facilitate it.
It’s after several members of NPHET – including the CMO Dr Tony Holohan – appeared in front of the Oireachtas Transport Committee yesterday to refute claims antigen tests are more effective than PCR for international travel.
That’s despite the Committee receiving evidence last week to the contrary.
Dr Holohan told the Committee that while NPHET is not against antigen testing, its effectiveness needs to be backed up by real world research – such as holding pilot events on flights.
Clarecastle-based Fine Gael Deputy Joe Carey says pilot initatives for involving antigen testing in the context of international travel should have been conducted ‘months ago’.
The sentiment has been echoed by his Government colleague and Clare’s Fianna Fail TD, who believes antigen testing could be rolled out for use for large gatherings as well as travel.
Deputy Cathal Crowe says any introduction of the fast action tests would not be intended to replace the traditional PCR examinations, but to work alongside them.
The Transport Minister though insists the Government won’t give the green light to the move unless Dr Tony Holohan advises them to do so.
Eamon Ryan says he will seek NPHET approval for the measure before it’s given the go ahead.
