The CEO of Aer Lingus says Ireland must embrace antigen testing to help airlines get back up and running.
While the government is looking at pilot programmes, the industry says immediate action is needed.
In summary, there is nothing to provide scientific support for the clamour to use antigen testing as a 'cure-all' for international travel. Until there are validated scientific study results of their use, it should be avoided.
— Dr Gabriel Scally (@GabrielScally) June 22, 2021
Aer Lingus Says PCR Tests Slow And Expensive
From July the 19, non-essential travel abroad will once again be an option for Irish tourists.
But there’s an asterix, as unvaccinated passengers will have to get PCR tests to prove they don’t have Covid.
Aer Lingus boss Lynne Embleton says these tests are slow and expensive.
She wants rapid antigen tests used instead.
"We don't need more trials or pilots, we need action."
"When other countries have concluded that Antigen testing is appropriate for pre-departure trials, then I believe Ireland should look at those conclusions made by many other countries, and adopt Antigen testing."
However Experts Are Not Sure About Them
But experts such as the chief medical officer have questioned the reliability of antigen tests.
And chair of the transport committee Kieran O’Donnell, says initially, a pilot scheme is more likely.
"What we want to do here, come the 19th of July, is to see the aviation sector up and running as quickly as possible."
"It's hugely important for business, tourism and for Ireland as an island nation."
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says while the government is looking at trialling antigen tests for flying abroad, this won’t be in place by the time international travel resumes.
