Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have a different view from the scientific field. I will quote the Assistant Professor of virology at UCD, Dr. Gerald Barry who said that it is an "absolute no-brainer" and "I cannot understand why we are not looking at this, explaining it to people, teaching them how to use it and rolling it out on a mass basis". I think there is an overwhelming school of scientific thought and, indeed, Professor Ferguson has completed a report for the Government and recommended implementation.

The witnesses have suggested that in-field evaluations need to be done. There have been a number of matches over the weekend where low attendance was allowed and NPHET is examining a number of situations. In terms of testing passengers on a flight, three or four weeks ago I suggested here that we would use the interim period between now and 19 July to test passengers on an inbound and outbound flight between parts of Ireland and the UK to allow for antigen testing to be used as a test case. In terms of advancing that, just like NPHET has advanced matches and concerts at the weekend, who needs to give a green light? Is there pushback at any level be it departmental, by NIAC, NPHET or the Government? Has NPHET sought a test? Has the matter been discussed? Has there been pushback on doing a test on a flight? If not, then will this happen?