David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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1675. To ask the Minister for Health if antigen testing was included as a cost which could be reimbursed under the Covid-19 temporary assistance payment scheme for nursing homes; if these costs will be reimbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15098/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) for nursing homes was established in April 2020 to provide financial assistance to contribute towards the costs incurred by private nursing homes in acting to suppress and manage COVID-19. €78.2m has been paid to date in respect of claims under the Scheme, which has been extended until the end of June 2021.

The TAPS Standard Assistance Payment is eligible to be spent on costs that have arisen in executing a number of measures that are specific to COVID-19. Nursing Homes are currently not reimbursed under the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme for antigen tests. The current Health Protection Surveillance Centre guidance on this issue only provides for the use of antigen tests in certain locations, in limited circumstances and under the direction of the local Public Health Department. This guidance can be accessed by following this link: