Tipperary TD demands comprehensive inquiry into Covid response

The Government’s decision to conduct an Independent Pandemic Evaluation in the wake of Covid is a step in the right direction but it falls short of the comprehensive, accountable inquiry that the Irish people deserve, according to the leader of the Rural Independent Group of TDs, Deputy Mattie McGrath.

“The proposed ‘no blame’ approach, while seemingly fair, is turning this evaluation into a mere formality, devoid of any real accountability,” he says.

“Without the power to compel witnesses or limit the government’s discretionary control, the evaluation will fail to provide the rigorous scrutiny necessary to learn from mistakes and prepare for future crises.

“Countries around the world, from the UK to Sweden, have launched their inquiries into their pandemic responses. These inquiries, while varied in their formats and mandates, share a common goal: to assess preparedness, review government responses and learn lessons for the future.

“Some countries like France and Italy have even initiated criminal proceedings against officials for alleged negligence in their pandemic response.

“In contrast, the Irish government’s proposed evaluation lacks the teeth to hold decision-makers accountable. This is not just about assigning blame; it’s about ensuring that those in power are held to the highest standards of responsibility and accountability.

"From the lucrative contracts awarded for ventilators to the economic costs with livelihoods lost, education disrupted and healthcare delayed or denied, we need to interrogate these decisions and give all stakeholders an opportunity to have their say.

"It’s about learning from our mistakes so that we can better protect the Irish people in the future,” he said.