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Covid-19 Tests

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Questions (1596, 1658, 1755, 1812, 1813, 1834, 1888, 1928, 1929, 1935)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1596. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if his Department has given further consideration to supporting free antigen testing particularly for community healthcare workers and those double jobbing in public health activities who need to use the tests as a screening device before visiting vulnerable patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1067/22]

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Colm Burke

Question:

1658. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given by his Department to including antigen tests in the drugs payment scheme to ensure that relief is provided for those purchasing them to promote public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1251/22]

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John Lahart

Question:

1755. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the measures he plans to take to ensure that antigen tests are made available at least not above cost by retailers and pharmacists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1634/22]

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Francis Noel Duffy

Question:

1812. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some suppliers increased the cost of antigen tests as demand has soared beyond supply in Ireland, the UK, the United States of America and Australia; his views on the implications this will have on prices and supply of antigen tests in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1929/22]

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Francis Noel Duffy

Question:

1813. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health if his Department will consider subsidisation of antigen tests in cases in which prices have increased due to low supply and high demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1930/22]

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Pa Daly

Question:

1834. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will approve free antigen tests for pensioners to be made available via their general practitioner and local pharmacies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1977/22]

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Charles Flanagan

Question:

1888. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will take steps to make antigen tests more freely available in view of the changes to the close contact rules which have come into effect in January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2296/22]

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Holly Cairns

Question:

1928. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will provide antigen tests and FFP2 masks to medical card holders without charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2596/22]

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Holly Cairns

Question:

1929. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will provide antigen tests and FFP2 masks at a subsidised rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2597/22]

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Holly Cairns

Question:

1935. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a subsidy for antigen tests and FFP2 masks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2603/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1596, 1658, 1755, 1812, 1813, 1834, 1888, 1928, 1929 and 1935 together.

The evidence relating to the detection of COVID-19, and the actions deemed appropriate to mitigate the impact of the virus across the population, are kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), the Department of Health and by the Government.

There is very significant demand on the HSE to support those testing programmes identified as public health priorities. It is likely that demand for testing for public health purposes will remain high in the coming period, particularly given the very high current infection rates in the community and the impacts arising in relation to Omicron.

In addition to running a very comprehensive community PCR testing programme, a number of serial testing PCR programmes, and PCR testing in acute hospital services, the HSE, under the guidance and direction of NPHET and the Department of Health operates a number of programmes involving supply of antigen tests, free of charge, to participants . The HSE focus is on supporting programmes with a clearly defined public health purpose.

These programmes involve supply of antigen tests, free of charge, to all symptomatic persons aged from 4 to 39, to all close contacts of confirmed cases, supporting the Department of Education in supplying antigen tests to children in primary schools as part of a pod in which there was a confirmed case of COVID-19, supporting the Department of Agriculture in the antigen testing programme in food processing facilities and for use for specific indications in the acute hospital setting, and as part of the response to outbreaks in community settings, supported by appropriate clinical governance and operational arrangements. While the focus remains on supporting those programmes with a clearly defined public health purpose, the HSE is also required to prioritise the available stock, supply chain and operational capacity in supporting these ongoing programmes and on continuing the national testing programme for public health reasons.

More widely, the Government’s objective has been to ensure the widespread availability of antigen tests, that are CE marked for self-testing, at an affordable price level, for those people who wish to purchase their own. Following engagement by relevant Government Departments with leading retailers and wholesalers, there is increased competition in the market and the retail price of many of the available antigen tests for consumers are more affordable. While there is increasing competition in the international supply chain, the Government continues to keep affordability low with the implementation of a zero VAT rate for all Covid-19 test kits and ongoing review regarding availability.

A comprehensive, cross-Government communications campaign on the appropriate use of antigen tests, to ensure there is clear message to the general public on when and how they should be used has also been launched and guidance material has been published on the HSE website and on gov.ie. The HPSC has also published rapid antigen testing programme guidance.

As Deputies will be aware, all types of masks when worn properly, including cloth masks, if properly constructed and well fitted can significantly reduce community transmission of COVID-19. A face mask that does not completely cover your nose and mouth will not protect you or anyone else.

There are different types of masks available. When used properly and in higher-risk settings, medical masks and respirator masks give better protection from COVID-19 infection than cloth masks. These can be purchased in shops and pharmacies.

Comprehensive advice relating to the wearing of facemasks is available on the HSE website at www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/preventing-the-spread/when-to-wear-face-covering/ . This advises that medical or respirator masks should be worn by people –

- over 60 in indoor or outdoor crowded places

- at higher risk from COVID-19 in indoor or outdoor crowded places

- visiting a healthcare setting

- visiting someone at higher risk of COVID-19

- a close contact - wear this type of mask for 10 days

In cases of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 and who should be self-isolating but who needs to be in the same room as someone else, everyone in the room aged 9 and older should wear a mask. For adults and older children, this should be a medical or respirator mask.

It is not proposed at this time that the HSE would supply masks to the general population, and it is the responsibility of individuals to equip themselves with appropriate protection.

The role of testing and contact tracing and public health advice relating to face masks, as part of the wider public health response, has been under ongoing review throughout the pandemic and will continue to be reviewed and amended in line with the epidemiological profile of the disease, its impact on healthcare utilisation and outcomes, the vaccination status of the population and ECDC guidance.

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