From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today welcomed publication of the report on rapid testing and confirmed pilots will be undertaken in third level settings, as recommended in the report.
The report recommends widespread rapid testing in Universities, Colleges, Institute of Technology and further education establishments, with particular attention on accommodation.
Minister Harris said:
"I welcome the publication today and I am very eager for rapid testing pilots to take place in the third level sector. Some existing research into rapid COVID-19 testing has already taken place in our universities and it is intended to extend these studies in the coming weeks in line with the Report’s recommendations. These pilots will provide learning on the potential role rapid testing can play as an additional tool to assist our plans for additional onsite education in the next academic year.
"Building upon existing collaboration my department will now engage further with key stakeholders including Science Foundation Ireland, universities in a position to act as potential study sites and the HSE. Our ambition is to finalise plans shortly and quickly begin pilot studies in four universities.
"My department will work closely with the Department of Health and the HSE on this initiative so as to learn from and contribute to the wider approach to rapid testing."