Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has asked Professor Mary Horgan, President of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland, to head up a group to progress use of rapid antigen testing.
The Government supports the wider use of these tests, not a replacement for PCR tests, but as an additional tool. The establishment of such a group was recommended by the report of the Ferguson group on rapid testing.
This group will provide advice to facilitate the rollout of tests in various sectors. A formal announcement outlining its exact remit will be made in the coming days.