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Covid-19 Tests

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021

Thursday, 9 September 2021

Questions (633)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

633. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Education if her Department plans to implement a system of lateral flow testing specifically for the protection of teachers from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42908/21]

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Written answers

The Department of Education is working with the HSE Testing Pathways Working Group which is examining the use of antigen testing in education settings.  A number of pilot projects are underway in childcare and third level settings in recent weeks.  The approach to antigen setting in education settings, including in schools will be informed by these pilots.

The Department of Education will continue to work with the group as it is considered important that any data collected from a pilot of antigen testing within the wider education sector is available to inform decisions on the appropriateness of more widespread deployment of such tests within the schools sector and the potential to scale to the sector.

The Department has an ongoing close working relationship with the Department of Health and the HSE throughout the period of the pandemic in the context of implementing important infection prevention control measures in schools to ensure that they can operate safely. 

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