Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
247. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the concerns of a person (details supplied) regarding asymptomatic cases; if he will address the concerns; if he will review the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15593/20]
View answerThe issue publicly funded COVID-19 testing is a matter for the public health authorities and my colleague the Minister for Health.
The Expert Advisory Group on the Return to Sport, established by my predecessor and which includes medical personnel, has advised - in line with public health advice - that the basic principles of good hygiene practice, hand washing, cough etiquette and social distancing are the most important tools available for the management of this virus.
I am aware that some sports, both domestically and internationally, are using testing as a means to aid return to sport. I wish to inform the Deputy that for the purposes of educating Ireland's National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) on what these tests are, the role they can potentially play and also to facilitate NGBs in making an informed decision as to whether they wish to employ testing as a tool, the Expert Advisory Group is in the process of completing an information circular for NGBs. It is planned to distribute this information circular in the near future.
