Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 June 2021
79. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the use of rapid antigen testing as the primary protocol of testing for international travellers departing from or arriving into Irish airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33785/21]
View answerPublic health authorities are responsible for determining the most appropriate testing regimes for COVID-19 in Ireland, and Government is guided by their recommendations. My Department assists with the implementation of public health measures in relation to international travel, as decided by Government. Although antigen testing has been considered on a number of occasions, public health advice thus far has been against its use for international travel. This is in line with World Health Organisation advice.
The situation continues to evolve with greater use of antigen testing in other EU member states and greater recognition of its potential use by EU agencies. Revised Guidelines jointly issued by the European Centre for Disease Control and the EU Aviation Safety Agency endorse the use of antigen testing for international travel.
My Department has consistently highlighted the need to reopen international travel as soon as possible in a manner that continues to protect public health and has suggested the possible use of antigen testing for the purpose of reopening international travel on a number of occasions. Minister Naughton has recently written to the Minister for Health seeking urgent consideration of a pilot of antigen testing linked to the implementation of the EU Digital Covid Certificate.
