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

First, as has been said, we are moving from an emergency phase of the pandemic into the transitional phase. Subject to Government approval, it is intended that testing for SARS-CoV-2 will move from extensive case find and tracing of infection to reduce transmission towards a focus on mitigation of the severe impacts of Covid-19 for those most vulnerable to the severe effects of the disease and those with risk factors for severe disease who may benefit from specific interventions. During this transition, the HSE will develop an operational plan to meet future testing, tracing and surveillance objectives, which will address service needs through and beyond the transition phase. A key challenge will be to ensure availability of adequate capacity for a future surge, should that arise. Also, in terms of the issues the Deputy has raised, we are having a fortnightly meeting of Cabinet sub-committee on Covid next week. I hear that the Deputy is saying. We will give that consideration.

See this speech in context