Tánaiste Micheál Martin has expressed optimism that the terms of reference for the much-anticipated Covid inquiry into the State’s management of the pandemic might be released prior to the declaration of the general election. He believes the investigation should adopt a “constructive approach” to ensure lessons are learnt from past errors and successes during the pandemic. He voiced concern that in future crises, people may be more focused on self-preservation rather than decision-making.
The inquiry, predicted to last a minimum of 18 months, will encompass a review of fatalities in care environments; a topic on which many families who lost relatives in nursing homes have advocated for, even staging a protest outside Leinster House on Thursday.
There were expectations the inquiry would begin by April, however, various challenges have arisen, including disputes over the selection of a chairperson. There are concerns that the nomination of a former judge might lead to witnesses seeking legal counsel.
There were also issues with the constitution of the inquiry panel as the Government sought to assign independent members who were neither directly involved in handling the pandemic nor publicly disclosed their viewpoints on the management of Covid-19.
In the Dáil, Mr. Martin assured Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane of his intent to engage with the campaigners protesting against the investigation’s postponement. Mr. Cullinane emphasised the necessity of the investigation meeting their “needs and objectives”.
Fergus O’Dowd, a TD from Fine Gael, highlighted that within the past four years, 9,500 individuals died from Covid-19 in Ireland, with 89 per cent being over 65 years old. He cited countries such as Italy, France, Sweden, and the UK are undertaking their Covid-19 investigations to comprehend the reasons behind the outbreak and devise preventive measures.
Mr Martin has been urged to ensure the terms of reference for the Covid inquiry are made public prior to the dissolution of the Government. This action would enable so-called ‘care champions’, protesters at Leinster House and many bereaved families who question the transparency and truthfulness of events to ascertain the facts. Mr Martin has conceded to meeting the affected families’ representatives and shared that the Government is nearly ready with the Covid inquiry.
Speaking of disclosing the details ahead of any significant future event, which is ostensibly referring to the forthcoming general election, he mentioned the essential need for an exhaustive review of the country’s Covid-19 response. He suggests that this would enable the nation to be fully prepared for any subsequent pandemic or crisis.
Learning from both the mishaps and the successful strategies through effective evaluative measures is critical. Lacking this, Mr Martin suggests, people would primarily act out of fear in the face of the next crisis, instead of making sound decisions.