Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The plan for living with Covid-19 and the Government decision of 20 October both affirm that any testing model implemented for international travel should not impinge on HSE testing capacity. In light of this, any testing for international travel will need to draw on resources from the private sector, which are not being accessed by the HSE.

The testing regime envisaged under the Government decision for international travel will be implemented through the private supply of testing availability in Ireland. This will include: testing post arrival, from day five, for passengers from EU orange or red list locations; and testing for departing passengers who need or wish to complete a pre-departure test requirement before travelling to another country.

Subject to the ongoing review of testing by National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET, and the Government, a Covid-19 PCR, test is currently the only test that is accepted for the purposes of allowing the advice relating to restricted movement to be waived. Testing technology and delivery options for facilitating international travel will be kept under review, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification, LAMP, and antigen testing.

Shannon and Cork airports have indicated that drive-through testing will be available today for passengers and the public. The Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, has indicated that the provision of testing at Dublin Airport by private providers can be increased within weeks. Testing at Dublin Airport will be undertaken by two providers by means of a drive-through facility and a walk-through facility at the airport. The DAA has advised that the testing offer by the providers will be reasonably priced, within what is generally available on the market. As there can be no certainty that capacity will be available to meet all possible requirements, intending passengers who wish to avail of testing should seek an appointment before travelling.

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