Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses for appearing before the committee. The questions I had have already been asked and answered very effectively. I am at a loss as to why the committee is still making this argument. Such an effective job was done to diminish the efficacy of antigen testing early on in this pandemic. Many people have done good work to push back on that. I believe that our session with Professor Mark Ferguson once and for all ended any residual arguments about the efficacy of antigen testing. Today has been very useful because it shows how sector-ready the industry is to provide this. There are no barriers to implementing this effectively in aviation, at sporting events or at events in general, bar this blockage.

I acknowledge the work the Chairman is doing to ensure this stays on the agenda, but the arguments are increasingly stronger. We certainly need the Chief Medical Officer, CMO, to appear before the committee to answer what has been proposed. For me, it is unanswerable at this stage. This committee continues to present quality witnesses supporting why antigen testing is useful and there is nothing more I can add beyond that. I thank the witnesses and reiterate that we need to get the CMO to appear before the committee.