Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I was taken aback by the Minister of State's introductory remarks, particularly when she stated she wanted to introduce an antigen testing pilot study at the very least but the advice she obtained was that it was not possible, in accordance with WHO guidelines. I have no doubt of the veracity of what the Minister of State said to the House, but I have a lot of questions about the advice she is receiving. I want to bring a couple of documents to her attention. The first is the regulation that has been introduced with regard to the so-called digital green certificate. I refer to Regulation (EU) 2021/935 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June. The preamble specifically refers to antigen testing. Recital 37 states:

As the pandemic has progressed, a new generation of faster and cheaper tests has become available on the Union market, the so-called rapid antigen tests, which detect the presence of viral proteins (antigens) to detect an ongoing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Commission Recommendation (EU) 2020/1743 (12) sets out guidance for Member States regarding the use of such rapid antigen tests.

Recital 38 states:

The Council Recommendation of 21 January 2021 (13) sets out a common framework for the use and validation of rapid antigen tests and the mutual recognition of COVID-19 test results in the Union and provides for the development of a common list of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests.

Recital 40 states:

To ensure the reliability of the test result, only the results of NAAT tests and rapid antigen tests featured in the list established on the basis of the Council Recommendation of 21 January 2021 should be eligible for a test certificate”, in other words, a green certificate.

It is interesting that there is no differentiation at all between PCR testing and rapid antigen testing. Recital 41 states:

The use of rapid antigen tests would serve to facilitate the issuance of test certificates on an affordable basis. Universal, timely and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines and tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection, which form the basis for the issuance of the certificates making up the EU Digital COVID Certificate, is crucial in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

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