Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The task force on Shannon was advocated long before the most recent employment issues. Something was committed to on the Government's formation, and it is a wider issue, particularly in the context of developing the entire estuary. We are conscious of the policies on fossil fuels and non-provision of fossil fuel infrastructure so we want to look at alternative infrastructure that can generate employment and help economic recovery in the Shannon area.

Offshore wind is an example, along with other developments of that kind. That genuinely is the reason we are setting up the task force for the Shannon region. It can be helpful as a catalyst for economic recovery in the region and projecting ahead for the future.

On the question of antigen testing, the chief scientific adviser has concluded a report and the majority was in favour of the more widespread use of antigen testing. The Deputy is correct that public health authorities are less enthused by it. At the same time we are rolling that out in different sectors of society. There is a pilot project in higher education.

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