Chairman:

I will set out the kernel of my question. Between now and 8 November, what work can be done to put in place rapid testing? According to HIQA, the PCR test is the gold standard. HIQA will not rule out antigen testing, but it wants a strategy put in place that might require a PCR test to be done every so often to validate the antigen system. Who will undertake that work over the next two weeks and bring the Government to a point where it will be able to sign off on a system? I welcome the establishment of the special group. Who will undertake the validation work that will recommend to the Cabinet sub-committee a functioning, safe and satisfactory rapid testing system?