Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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440. To ask the Minister for Health the current average end-to-end time for testing and contact tracing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10458/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A robust and real-time process of testing, isolation and contact tracing is central to our public health strategy for containing and slowing the spread of COVID-19, as advocated by the WHO and ECDC.

I am confident that the HSE is putting in place the measures to further reduce turnaround times and we are seeing continuing improvement. The HSE continues to streamline the process and to automate where possible. A range of process optimisation measures are being put in place, including automated swab appointments; offering the option to receive positive test results by text and enabling out of hours referrals. These are in addition to measures already in place including IT improvement, automation processes, and streamlined transportation logistics.

Regarding current average end-to-end time for testing and contact tracing, as this is an service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.