Dr. Ronan Glynn:

Ultimately, as we have said throughout this meeting, if we can be shown scientific evidence or real-world utility or value of these tests whether in aviation or any other setting, we would promote the use of a test or modality. I agree with Senator Buttimer about the combative nature of this issue. There is a really unfortunate narrative that has grown up around this that people are completely opposed to antigen testing and people who think it is the best thing since sliced bread. Neither of those positions is the truth. It is a question of using it in appropriate settings as one more intervention. There is no reason in the world we would not want antigen testing to be used where it brings an additional level of safety and reduces risk, whether that is in aviation, sport or anywhere else. Ultimately, we have a responsibility to make sure that we also give advice based on science and that we do not say that an event or activity that is otherwise unsafe at a given point in time, given the prevailing epidemiological situation, should go ahead just because there is antigen testing, if antigen testing or any other testing or other modality does not make up for the risk that is posed by that event or activity. We have got to weigh all of those things up at a given point in time and give the advice as it stands, but of course we will change our advice. We would love to see evidence that these tests have improved and that there is real-world evidence behind them so that they can bring the conditions and we can all move on.