COVID-19 tests are costing €200 a go, the Taoiseach has said in response to a query from a Clare TD.

In the region of €400m to €500m has been projected as the bill for COVID-19 testing in Ireland this year, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (FG) stated on Thursday. “The average test is €200 per go”, he said.

Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) sought detail on costings for COVID-19 testing during a Dáil sitting on Thursday.

He raised the matter with the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan a week previously as the Dáil’s COVID-19 committee sat for the first time, “Hundreds of millions of euros was as specific I got”.

McNamara flagged that a typical viral swab test referred by a GP practice would cost €25. “It seems like a very large increase,” he added of the €200 per test cost. The Taoiseach responded, “I do think costs will come down. Everything in healthcare is costing a premium at the moment”.

The Clare Echo understands that per test €90 is being charged by the pharmaceutical company with laboratories and administrative costs accounting for the remaining €110.

Criticism of the Taoiseach answering questions from a committee room as opposed to the Dáil Chamber was voiced by Galway West TD, Catherine Connolly (IND). She maintained that Varadkar was sending out “the wrong message” through his actions.

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If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.