Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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764. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide the evidence his Department has considered regarding the efficacy of pre-departure and arrival testing for overseas passengers travelling in and out of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35353/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the decisions necessary to protect everybody living in Ireland from its effects is constantly evolving. The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by the Department of Health and by the Government. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.

A single negative PCR test, whether taken prior to travel or on arrival, does not exclude the presence of disease due to the incubation period.

At the request of NPHET, HIQA conducted a rapid Health Technology Assessment on the use of alternatives to laboratory-based PCR tests. HIQA found that Rapid Antigen Detection Tests offer possibilities to enhance COVID-19 prevention and control including by expanding testing capacity, reducing test turnaround times and improved access. These tests work best where there is high prevalence of the disease, for example symptomatic cases.

HIQA’s findings confirm the WHO advice which shows that the currently available Rapid Antigen Detection Tests are not suitable for use in screening asymptomatic people with an unknown levels of disease, such as arriving passengers.