IALPA call on NPHET to introduce antigen testing for international travel

Wednesday, 16 June 2021 08:53

NPHET's being urged not to place Ireland's airline industry at a competitive disadvantage over the use of antigen testing.

The Chief Medical Officer will appear before TD's and Senators later to discuss using the cheaper and quicker test kits for international travel.
Dr Tony Holohan has previously cautioned against adopting antigen tests due to concerns over their accuracy.

Just last month Aer Lingus announced the closure of it's Cork base from September to late November, impacting 60 ground staff and 138 cabin crew.
The airline also revealed that it's reviewing their ground handling requirements at Cork and may be forced to announce more lay-offs across their business

President of pilots union IALPA Evan Cullen, says there'll be further job losses in aviation if it's not introduced.

"We see no reason why Ireland chooses to be different to almost every other European country in not adopting the antigen testing for pre departure and for access to Ireland.

"It is beyond belief that the CMO and his team in NPHET take a different view from leading global experts in antigen testing."