Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I fully acknowledge that the only way we are truly going to beat Covid-19 as a society and country is through the effective roll-out of the vaccine. Thankfully, we are already starting to see that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing the spread of this deadly disease among those already inoculated. As those most at risk of contracting Covid-19 and falling seriously ill from it are vaccinated, the risk and threat of the disease naturally starts to reduce. However, it is vital that complacency does not set in before the vaccine has been fully rolled out. For this reason, we must look at all options open to us to ensure that when the time comes we have the safest possible reopening of our country, society and economy. We must put checks in place to ensure that happens. It is only by doing this as safely and effectively as possible that we can save lives and, most important, prevent another wave and further economic restrictions that close businesses and cause job losses.

One option available to us is the widespread introduction of rapid antigen testing in areas of large population and in schools and workplaces. I know some firms are already doing this and have prevented the spread of clusters in their workplaces. The test takes between 15 and 30 minutes to produce a result, which is indicated on the testing strip. It tells people whether they are positive. The test is not 100% accurate and only delivers a positive result when a person is most infectious, which is for up to eight days in the infection cycle. It might produce some false negatives. However, it still finds positive results. Where the individual is asymptomatic, this is an obvious step that can help to identify more cases of Covid-19 in the community and prevent its spread. It is essential to use all methods at our disposal for a safe reopening.

Only by preventing the spread of Covid-19 in the community can we avoid another wave occurring. I suggest that leaving certificate students and teachers attending school daily be tested with antigen tests regularly. Nursing homes and day care centres could test too. I have made the point to the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Butler, that nursing home residents and users of day care centres have now received vaccination in the vast majority of cases. We could use antigen testing to help to restore normality or near normality to their lives. These people have had a torrid year. People using day care centres have been unable to avail of those services. Antigen testing is a weapon in our armoury that we can use for a safe reopening and to try to bring some normality back to people's lives.

I raised with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, the issue of people who are housebound. In my constituency of Tipperary, I know of cases where people who are housebound have not yet received the vaccine.

Obviously, they have serious health conditions. The Minister of State is working on this matter, but these people should be prioritised so that they are vaccinated as quickly as possible.

I support Deputy Brendan Smith's comments about An Garda Síochána. Gardaí are disappointed by their place on the list for the vaccine roll-out. They are an essential cog in our battle against the virus. We saw the work they did during the protests of recent weeks. Will the Minister see whether gardaí can get a higher priority?

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