CMO: not enough "real-world evidence" to support use of antigen testing for international travel

Dr Tony Holohan is currently before the Oireachtas Transport Committee answering questions about NPHET's position on antigen testing. 

It's after the Committee heard evidence last week that antigen testing was more efficient than PCR testing for traveling abroad.

Passengers arriving into Ireland currently need a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Dr Holohan says they will continue to review emerging evidence: 

"We're more than willing to support its further use where appropriate evaluation indicates that it can bring added benefit in the pandemic response. Ultimately however based on knowledge to date, the safest way for us to reopen society, including international travel will be continue to control the incidence of the disease and we're making encouraging progress in that regard through a range of public health measures which are continuously reviewed, along with progress in the national vaccination programme."