Executive to meet for first time since row over Covid restrictions - Robin Swann has ‘asked for 4m fast-turnaround tests’ which could allow the whole population of NI to be tested

It comes as the introduction of rapid mass coronavirus testing is being considered in Northern Ireland.

Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann said he has held discussions with Health Secretary Matt Hancock in recent days.

The BBC has reported that the health minister has written to the UK Government asking for four million fast-turnaround Covid-19 tests.

The tests would not have to be processed in a lab, making them suitable for mass testing.

The Department of Health confirmed Mr Swann’s request for the fast tests, which would allow Northern Ireland’s entire population to be tested.

It comes after a mass testing initiative in Liverpool earlier this month.

“Mass testing is one of those new exciting initiatives and I don’t think here in Northern Ireland we should be lacking ambition when it comes to that rapid mass testing,” Mr Swann told an Executive press conference.

Mr Swann said they have been looking at mass testing in care homes and work places, but said there is an opportunity to “look to the next step”.

“Where we could look at a greater population testing. It would be a large logistical challenge to try to achieve that. I have been in contact with Matt Hancock today,” he said.

“These tests are to be distributed out on the Barnett Consequential so what we’re asking him if he could forward pay Northern Ireland in some regard to the supply of some of those tests so that we could look at a more ambitious mass testing programme for Northern Ireland.

“There is an opportunity but it is how we use that and use it wisely.”

He said if not done across the entirety of Northern Ireland, there are a number of initiatives and smaller geographical areas they could look at.

“I don’t want to hamper our ambition but be realistic about the logistical challenge it would be,” he said, but warned not to see it as a “panacea or silver bullet for everything”.

“Our actions and restrictions are still our key armament against Covid.”

Mr Swann will bring a paper to the next meeting of the Executive aimed at managing the virus.

Last week saw four days of disagreement and heated exchanges within the Executive, after Mr Swann called for the extension of all restrictions for two more weeks.

His proposals were backed by Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance.

But the DUP, which opposed the recommendations, faced criticism for triggering a cross-community vote, effectively giving its ministers a veto - something the party has not ruled out deploying again.

It has argued that better mitigations should be put in place to allow businesses to reopen safely, as keeping parts of the economy closed will cause long-term damage as well.

Close-contact services, cafes and coffee shops are set to reopen this Friday but restrictions on pubs, restaurants and hotels are due to expire at midnight next Thursday.