Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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649. To ask the Minister for Health if he has plans to provide additional PCR testing centres to rural areas such as Connemara given the increased demand for tests and rising case numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58829/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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650. To ask the Minister for Health the advice for those who need a PCR test who do not have access to a car and live a significant distance from their nearest testing centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58830/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Those who do not have access to a car or who live a significant distance from their nearest testing centre can ask a family member or friend to transport them to the testing centre. Both parties should wear a face covering, which should be disposed of or washed after use, and should wash their hands before and after the journey.

If you have a medical condition that means you cannot go to a test centre, a GP can refer you for a home test. Further information for those travelling to a Covid-19 testing centre is available on the HSE's website as follows:www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/testing/test-what-happens/