The Irish National Teachers' Organisation is welcoming news of the possible use of antigen tests in schools.
Few eligible students will have received a second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, when schools begin reopening in just over a week.
According to a special advisor at the Department of Education, Minister Norma Foley is looking to establish if the test can be used as part of efforts to ensure a safe return to the classroom.
The HSE says it's putting plans in place to deal with an expected surge, in the number of teens seeking a Covid-19 test when schools reopen.
Up to 15,000 tests are being carried out each day at HSE testing sites, and a further 10,000 done privately and in hospitals.
The country's positivity rate currently stands at 9 percent.
