Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
21. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide defined commencement timelines with regard to the long-awaited public inquiry into the handling of the Covid pandemic in nursing homes; if he can provide the terms of reference for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40603/23]
View answerThe Taoiseach has stated that a comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will provide an opportunity to learn from our experiences in dealing with a pandemic. It will include a review of the whole-of-government response to the pandemic and how we might do better and be in a stronger position if another pandemic or other similar type of event were to occur. It has been indicated that this evaluation will include a consideration of the health service response covering hospitals, the community and nursing homes, along with the wider economic and social response.
The exact format that the evaluation will take is currently under consideration. It is intended however that it will be established in 2023.
