Tony Holohan criticised for 'baffling' position on antigen tests

The resistance to rapid antigen testing for international travel or at sporting events is 'baffling' and hard to fathom, the Oireachtas transport committee has heard. Picture: Brian Lawless

The resistance to rapid antigen testing for international travel or at sporting events is “baffling” and hard to fathom, the Oireachtas transport committee has heard.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) and Dr Tony Holohan, the chief medical officer,  have cautioned against relying too heavily on antigen tests  — rapid diagnostic kits that do not need to go to a laboratory — but Dr Holohan’s views have been described as “inaccurate” by a Harvard expert who spoke at the Oireachtas committee.