Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I, too, thank the witnesses. I have four questions to which I would like an answer, the first of which is directed to Mr. Reid. Over the past number of Covid committee meetings, I have called for the recruitment of a dedicated workforce for testing and tracing. I was recently contacted in my office by a person who had been told by the HSE that it was not recruiting. Will the HSE be recruiting, in particular to address the language barriers, which is an issue that has come across my desk several times in the past few weeks and, if so, what are the criteria in that regard?

We all heard today about the WHO's reference to a global test, which is cheaper and faster and can provide results within 15 to 20 minutes. Does the HSE intend to secure these devices? My understanding is that currently 97% of tests carried out here are negative. Mr. Reid might confirm if that is the case. In regard to cost, will there be a cost of between €200 and €275 for this new test? My understanding is that this new test, which is referenced in today's newspapers and was mentioned on the radio this morning, is really good. Is it proposed to use these tests?

I have a number of concerns regarding communication. We are all playing our part. I compliment everybody on doing so.

We all have personal responsibility. However, there is major confusion when a person rings for a test and is told that he or she and his or her family must isolate. Do we have to be more specific that people must isolate for 14 days if they request a test? In my area of Carlow I was dealing with one or two cases. The paramedics are doing a great job, but they are on call-outs. We have a testing centre in Tinryland which is by appointment only. That is brilliant and I welcome it. However, signage for testing centres in rural areas is a matter we must examine because there was some confusion about that during the week. They are all doing an excellent job and I say "well done" to them. I understand that when people call for paramedics to visit their homes, there is a backlog of four or five. We must examine that.

We all probably got a fright when we saw today that, globally, over 1 million people have died with Covid-19. We are approaching the winter months. Everybody is trying to get the flu vaccine. My mother is elderly and she has got the vaccine. I realise we must prioritise, but we face many different challenges with the winter coming. Among the issues we will face is lockdowns in certain areas. Are we recruiting? Tomorrow the committee will be discussing living with Covid, but I believe we have to do more. There is still a little confusion about information and even control. That is not for us in the committee, but a matter for the HSE. Last night, there was a great deal of activity in Galway and it was a big issue this morning. I understand it was freshers' week. There are control issues we must examine. We are approaching Hallowe'en, Christmas and big events in people's lives. We have gone through communions and confirmations. There must be a great deal more information and we must examine how we can control what is coming.

Perhaps Mr. Reid would respond on the dedicated workforce.