Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Could I get at response on the antigen testing questions I put to Ms Embleton?

On the other issue I raised on Ireland's position being misrepresented, when that move was made by the US with countries moving from level 4 to level 3, one only has to look to see that Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Poland all moved from level 4 to level 3. This places Ireland at a huge disadvantage. We are aware that the American tourists are very discerning. They do not make a decision about travel overnight. They are slow to think about it, they ponder on it and then eventually they make the right decision. It is very negligent of whatever authority it was, be it the HSE, NPHET or whoever, that Ireland's position has been misrepresented to a huge cohort of potential travellers to Ireland. It is very important to our airports and to our tourism industry. We certainly must follow up on this. There is also the fact that Ireland is not up to date with regard to data on the traffic light system within the EU. Both of these issues must be taken up with NPHET to get a response. I thank the Chairman.

On the antigen testing, has Aer Lingus done anything on a pilot programme? Has Aer Lingus been in contact with anyone, or is the airline waiting for someone to approach it? Have the representatives been active in this area?