Extend antigen testing to all frontline workers – Ward
18th November 2021 - Senator Barry Ward
Antigen tests should be made available to all frontline workers, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
This follows a decision by Houses of the Oireachtas, as an employer, to make antigen tests available, free of charge, to staff who work on site in Leinster House.
Senator Barry Ward said, “This morning, we heard reports that antigen tests would be made available to all TDs, Senators and their staff. The Houses of the Oireachtas has since correctly clarified that this will not be the case, and all Government parties including my own have insisted on covering the costs of any tests that would be handed out to Oireachtas members.
“I welcome this clarification, as it would be entirely unacceptable that I, as a member of the Seanad, should receive antigen tests free of charge while the wider public continue to pay for them.
“This has initiated a necessary conversation around the use of antigen testing. In order to keep people safe and businesses open, I believe the most sensible option would be to extend free antigen testing to all frontline workers, starting with nurses and other hospital staff.
“I also welcome the announcement by the Government to progress their use in schools.
“At this point, we know personal responsibility is a significant part of limiting close contacts and the spread of the virus, and antigen tests have a role to play in that regard. If you develop symptoms or are named as a close contact, self-testing and self-isolation in the event of a negative test would help protect those around you, particularly if you are asymptomatic.
“The State has obviously spent large sums of money on PCR testing, charging €200 per test. Rapid antigen tests – while less accurate – certainly have a role to play and would be significantly cheaper to provide to all frontline workers.
“We need to launch a campaign to show people how to conduct a self-test, and then actually trust the public to use antigen tests properly”, concluded Senator Ward.
Senator Barry Ward
Dún LaoghaireBarry Ward is the Fine Gael Seanad spokesperson on Justice. A practicing barrister, Barry is originally from Deansgrange. He was…
Related news
Commitment by state in proposed Care amendment should not be underestimated – Ward
The Care amendment's use of 'shall strive' in the March 8th referendums signals a deep commitment to family care, a…
2nd March 2024Ward voices support for Basketball Ireland amid controversy around upcoming match
A Fine Gael Senator has criticised the position that Basketball Ireland’s national women’s team has been put in. Senator Barry…
8th February 2024Ward calls for cuts in electricity prices to be applied to Electric Vehicle chargers
A Fine Gael Senator has said that reductions in the residential electricity unit rate must equally be applied to public…
18th January 2024