Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There will be statements on this issue next week in the Dáil. I do not have the figure for lab places to hand. We give devolved capital grants to each institution. I would have to approach the institutions through the HEA to obtain that information. I can certainly do that for the Deputy.

The Deputy referenced recorded lectures. I accidentally overlooked that. It is something I would like to see happen. I have heard staff representatives say that they are not against it, but, understandably, they wish to and have every right to engage on it. I would like to see that happen with the institutions. There are definitely benefits to recorded lectures for students who are medically vulnerable. There are also possible benefits for any student who can benefit from both attending the lecture and being able to look back over the recording later.

The other issue we have not touched upon yet is that of rapid testing. While many people are talking about or considering doing rapid testing, we are doing it. There is a programme under way in four institutions, where up to 8,000 staff and students are being tested twice a week with at least two different tests. They are also reaching out to more institutions. We will see the benefits of that quite quickly. By the autumn, and certainly before college resumes, we will be able to make a decision on whether there is a need for a broader roll-out of that programme. It is an extra tool we could have in our toolbox. I will provide the Deputy with the information she requested.

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