Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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1514. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the use of rapid antigen testing as the primary protocol of testing for international travellers departing from or arriving into Irish airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33786/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests remain the gold standard in terms of COVID-19 testing, particularly in relation to the screening of travellers. Ireland does not accept antigen tests for incoming travellers.

COVID-19 tests for the purposes of travel, both to and from the State, can be sourced via private testing providers, in order to preserve the testing capacity of the HSE for priority groups and public health screening. Antigen tests can be sourced via private providers and Digital COVID Certificates based on antigen tests can be issued for the purpose of travelling to an EU country where antigen tests are accepted.

These travel measures are kept under continuous review based on public health advice and the international epidemiological situation.