Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2021
195. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the process that will be undertaken by his Department for the procurement of antigen tests for third-level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32242/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe intention of Government is to strengthen the prevention and intervention measures around COVID-19 in response to the changing context including surveillance, track and trace, and potential use of new technology. My Department recognises that as one part of a package of surveillance and vigilance measures, including other public health non-pharmaceutical interventions, there is a potential role for rapid antigen testing.
My Department has provided its support to the initiation of a Science Foundation Ireland study to test this objective. A new research project, ‘Multi-site study to develop a SARS-CoV-2 Infection Surveillance System for Third Level Students and Staff in the Republic of Ireland’, known as UniCoV, begins this week across four universities.
It is intended that the outcomes of this research project will inform the development of early warning systems for future outbreak prevention and control. It is also intended that the outcomes of this research project will inform SARS-CoV-2 infection rapid testing and surveillance systems in further and Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in Ireland.
Should the study recommend use of antigen tests in third-level institutions, all relevant procurement guidelines will be complied with, as appropriate.
