Antigen tests for TDs, Senators and Leinster House staff will be available free from next week. The move was agreed by the Oireachtas Business Committee this morning.
However, the Government parties are currently drafting a letter to the Ceann Comhairle opposing the free tests for TDs and Senators.
Deputy Government Whip Brendan Griffin said the Government parties will pay for the tests. Labour TD Duncan Smith described today's announcement as not "a good look" and he dissented at the committee.
The Government consistently stated throughout the week that antigen tests would be subsidised, but not made available free to people.