Cork TD: Success of large scale test events in the UK could be replicated in Ireland as vaccine rollout continues 

James O'Connor met with Minister of State Seán Fleming and Melvin Benn from Electric Picnic organisers Festival Republic earlier to discuss the return of events like concerts and matches.

The meeting follows a study in the UK which found that just 15 out of 60,000 people contracted Covid-19 following a number of test events. 

The Cork East TD is now calling on the Government to aim to allow large scale events be held here by the autumn. 

Speaking to RedFM News, Deputy James O'Connor says the announcement would give people something to look forward to following over a year of restrictions:

"So this week is critical in the process around reopening society and the economy. We're going to hear a lot of very interesting developments later in the week when the Cabinet meets to discuss the outcomes of some of their findings around the usage of testing and antigen testing for certain events. It's not clear yet what the government's position will be but in terms of return to sports, returns to music festivals and other live outdoor major events, it's very very important that we would see progress by governments, being announced later in the week."