Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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195. To ask the Minister for Health if the costs of antigen tests are covered by the temporary assistance scheme for nursing homes; the supports in place to help cover the costs of antigen tests in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12231/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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196. To ask the Minister for Health if the costs of antigen tests are covered by the temporary assistance scheme for nursing homes; the supports in place to help cover the costs of antigen tests in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12232/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Testing in Ireland as part of the national testing strategy for public health purposes is free of charge if an individual is referred by a GP, is a close contact of a confirmed case, or is a person being tested as part of a serial testing programmes in specific setting, or as part of a mass testing programme in outbreak settings, and in certain acute healthcare settings to facilitate patient flow and scheduled and unscheduled patient care.

The HSE has been providing a serial testing programme in Residential Care Facilities since 23 June 2020 and this is continuing at present.