The single antigen test, produced by Genrui Biotech Inc will cost just 2.99 euro and will be available nationwide from Saturday 27 November.

The tests are both CE certified and on the approved EU list. The German supermarket chain says that they are currently the cheapest approved for use test on the market and the tests will be available at the tills of each store. German Lidl stores stock the same tests for 80 cent.

The news comes just three days after the government sources indicated that plans for subsidised antigen tests could be delayed by up to two weeks. Earlier this week, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar spoke to the media about the Government’s objective to get the cost of antigen tests down to two to three euro each. No deadline has currently been set for the subsidies.

“We could have a memo by the end of the week, it could be next Tuesday, but I think it’d be this week or next,” he said.

Meanwhile, antigen tests will be used in schools from next Monday. Minister for Education, Norma Foley, has indicated that these tests will be issued by the HSE. NPHET officials have also recommended the wearing of masks for primary school children from third class upwards.

Mr Price is also set to put single antigen test on sale that are cheaper than most on the market. Costing just less than two euro, these tests are made in China but are not approved for use in the EU.

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