Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. I compliment the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Many of my constituents in County Kerry were among the 6,000 who were anxiously seeking to be repatriated in very difficult times. They were stretched across 129 countries throughout the globe. I am very grateful for the proactive assistance that was received from the Department through the helpline, the mercy flights and also in providing connectivity with other flights where necessary.

I want to address a question to Mr. Breslin. Kerry is a very strong tourism county. We are deeply reliant on tourism and last year generated in excess of €500 million from that sector alone. We want to open up but we absolutely want to do so safely, securely and with best practice from a health point of view. I note from Mr. Breslin's report that mandatory self-isolation is being mooted. Is the Department currently looking at the notion of rapid testing at airports, with a very quick turnaround? That would make a great difference to counties like Kerry and other tourism areas. It would breed confidence if the turnaround was very quick. Is that being considered from a health best practice point of view?