Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 March 2021
196. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if the costs of antigen tests are covered by the temporary assistance scheme for nursing homes; the supports in place to help cover the costs of antigen tests in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12232/21]
View answerTesting in Ireland as part of the national testing strategy for public health purposes is free of charge if an individual is referred by a GP, is a close contact of a confirmed case, or is a person being tested as part of a serial testing programmes in specific setting, or as part of a mass testing programme in outbreak settings, and in certain acute healthcare settings to facilitate patient flow and scheduled and unscheduled patient care.
The HSE has been providing a serial testing programme in Residential Care Facilities since 23 June 2020 and this is continuing at present.
