Press release
Post Cabinet Statement - 30 November 2021
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
The COVID-19 situation in Ireland remains uncertain and of concern, with added uncertainty due to the potential impact of the Omicron variant.
Incidence of the virus is relatively stable but remains at high levels across all age groups and is continuing to have a significant and sustained impact across all aspects of the health service.
While there is some evidence of a move in the right direction in terms of people reducing their close contacts and cancelling future plans for social interaction, it is not yet at the level required in order to result in a significant reduction in the rate of transmission of COVID-19.
This means that we need to remain vigilant and do all we can to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
Today, following public health advice, the government has agreed the following:
Parents should aim to reduce socialisation indoors in respect of children aged 12 and younger over the next two weeks.
Parents know their children best and know the activities / experiences that matter most to them. Therefore, parents are being asked to prioritise their children’s activities - minimising indoor community gatherings and indoor mixed household gatherings; reducing the risk of exposure to the virus by opting for outdoor activities instead of indoor; and reducing the number of children involved in any particular activity.
On a temporary basis, subject to review in mid-February 2022, the wearing of face masks/coverings will be recommended for children:
| Your status | Antigen test | RT-PCR test |
| Vaccinated or recovered | Negative test no more than 48 hours before you arrive | Negative test no more than 72 hours before you arrive |
| Not vaccinated | Not valid | Negative test no more than 72 hours before you arrive |
Government agreed that the Health (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2021 will be initiated in the Dáil or the Seanad upon finalisation of the text.
Public health advice recognises the potential value of more general use of antigen tests in particular situations if you do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
Engagement has taken place with leading retailers and wholesalers on the availability of affordable antigen tests through the retail sector. Early indications are that price reductions have already been brought forward by a number of large retailers in recent days. The pricing and availability of antigen tests continue to be closely monitored, with a focus on ensuring their continued availability to the public at affordable prices.
The public health advice is that the future trajectory remains uncertain. The three steps everyone can take to help reduce the spread of the virus are:
1. Get vaccinated and get your booster when you are called.
2. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get a PCR test, self-isolate until you get your result and then follow the public health advice.
3. In every situation, reduce your risk of catching / transmitting COVID-19 over the coming weeks by:
In the case of antigen testing, the test cannot be self-administered. It must be taken and certified by an established operator in the relevant country.
Anyone who does not have a Digital COVID Certificate based on vaccination or recovery or other appropriate valid proof of vaccination or recovery will continue to be required to take a pre-departure PCR test.
Use an antigen test if you:
Use an antigen test twice a week if you are regularly in high-risk environments and you have no symptoms.
You will be offered free antigen tests for your child in primary school if: