Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan, has tested positive for Covid-19.
That is according to a statement his department issued this afternoon (Sunday, December 19th, 2021).
A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, said:
“Minister Eamon Ryan has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating at home. The minister is following all HSE protocols.”
“He has advised the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and the secretary to the Government. Minister Ryan attended cabinet remotely on Friday. Therefore, members of the cabinet are not close contacts,” the statement concluded.
Earlier this week, we reported that deputy Ossian Smyth engaged in a series of Dáil Éireann debates on behalf of the minister.
Deputy Smyth told the house that “I am here on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, who has a cold and cannot be here and sends his apologies”.
The deputy answered questions in respect of government policies and a possible cut to the national herd.
COP26
Last month, Minister Ryan took a precautionary PCR test as organisers of COP26 recommended before travel.
The first test delivered an initial positive result and he later took a second test – which yielded a negative result – as the HSE recommended.
In a statement on Sunday, November 7th, a spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications said:
“This result of this test showed that Covid-19 was not detected. The public health advice in this instance is that the case is de-notified, close contacts are informed, and the person can continue about their business.”
“Minister Ryan now plans to travel to Glasgow for COP26 tomorrow (Monday).”
“Minister Ryan has not been symptomatic at any point. He underwent the initial test as a precautionary measure as recommended by the organisers of COP26.”
“On receipt of the initial result, he followed all HSE protocols, including self-isolation and informing close contacts.”
