Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with what Deputy Alan Kelly said. If the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, was here I am sure he too would agree with him. We have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of a self-referral or alternative referral system. A self-referral system has the potential to broaden access to testing, thereby providing greater out-of-hours access and would likely reduce turnaround times. It could also provide additional capacity as general practitioner surgeries move into the winter. It is important to remember that the referral system became overwhelmed in the early days of the pandemic and it is currently experiencing significant pressures.

I have researched the device the Deputy held up. I note it has been introduced in the UK. I understand it is 99.8% accurate, if one were to believe the data. It is the model we need to be moving to. It is worthy of consideration. The costing is as outlined by the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. When the Minister returns, the Deputy and he should have a conversation around the issue.

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