22/02/2022
Sinn Féin 'Concerned' Over Possible End Of Free Covid Testing
Sinn Féin have expressed their concerns over the possible end to free COVID testing here in Northern Ireland.
The party's chair of the health committee, MLA Colm Gildernew, said: "Boris Johnson's plans to end free Covid-19 testing in England is irresponsible and must not impact on testing here.
"This is in line with the reckless approach adopted by the Tories throughout the pandemic.
"It is important that at this point in the pandemic we maintain protections from the virus, particularly for the most vulnerable in our communities.
"Ending free testing and putting the costs on ordinary people who are already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis will act as a deterrent to people getting tested and could see an increase in the spread of the virus.
"It's crucial that we take independent, considered and sensible decisions so that we can safely reopen society for everyone.
"I have asked the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer to come before the health committee to set out their views on testing and the safest exit from the pandemic."
The party's chair of the health committee, MLA Colm Gildernew, said: "Boris Johnson's plans to end free Covid-19 testing in England is irresponsible and must not impact on testing here.
"This is in line with the reckless approach adopted by the Tories throughout the pandemic.
"It is important that at this point in the pandemic we maintain protections from the virus, particularly for the most vulnerable in our communities.
"Ending free testing and putting the costs on ordinary people who are already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis will act as a deterrent to people getting tested and could see an increase in the spread of the virus.
"It's crucial that we take independent, considered and sensible decisions so that we can safely reopen society for everyone.
"I have asked the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer to come before the health committee to set out their views on testing and the safest exit from the pandemic."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 August 2022
Clarification Needed On End Of Free Lateral Flow Testing
The Alliance Party has called for clarification on the end of free lateral flow tests respite and day care providers. has said. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong was speaking after it was announced the move will take place from today, Monday 22 August.
Clarification Needed On End Of Free Lateral Flow Testing
The Alliance Party has called for clarification on the end of free lateral flow tests respite and day care providers. has said. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong was speaking after it was announced the move will take place from today, Monday 22 August.
01 December 2003
MOT waiting times back on target
The Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) today revealed that waiting times for MOT tests have come down significantly since the summer and are now back on track. Chief Executive Stanley Duncan said he was pleased with the progress made and that it had been a tough period for customers and staff who have had to cope with a massive surge in demand.
MOT waiting times back on target
The Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) today revealed that waiting times for MOT tests have come down significantly since the summer and are now back on track. Chief Executive Stanley Duncan said he was pleased with the progress made and that it had been a tough period for customers and staff who have had to cope with a massive surge in demand.
28 July 2021
Rapid Testing Key To Helping Tackle Pandemic - Health Minister
Rapid Testing for those without symptoms will play a key role in helping tackle the pandemic, Health Minister Robin Swann has said. The Minister was speaking during a visit to the EH Allingham Construction site on the Crumlin Rd Belfast, one of the employer led Assisted Testing Sites in operation in NI.
Rapid Testing Key To Helping Tackle Pandemic - Health Minister
Rapid Testing for those without symptoms will play a key role in helping tackle the pandemic, Health Minister Robin Swann has said. The Minister was speaking during a visit to the EH Allingham Construction site on the Crumlin Rd Belfast, one of the employer led Assisted Testing Sites in operation in NI.
17 January 2025
Newry Firm Secures £475,000 Investment For Battery Testing Facility
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed a £475,000 investment by Newry company Resonate Testing to establish the first battery testing facility on the island of Ireland.
Newry Firm Secures £475,000 Investment For Battery Testing Facility
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed a £475,000 investment by Newry company Resonate Testing to establish the first battery testing facility on the island of Ireland.
23 January 2023
New Specialist Construction Materials Lab Opened
Northern Ireland's road network is set to be improved with the launch of a new construction materials testing laboratory. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) officially opened the £2 million purpose-built laboratory at Carn in Portadown.
New Specialist Construction Materials Lab Opened
Northern Ireland's road network is set to be improved with the launch of a new construction materials testing laboratory. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) officially opened the £2 million purpose-built laboratory at Carn in Portadown.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
