Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

This week the Government received advice from the Attorney General. Let us be clear: litigation by the Government against vulnerable people is a political choice. The Government also has a responsibility to do right by citizens. The truth of the matter is that, right now, most people, when in battle with the State, have to fight tooth and nail for justice, and many have to fight right up until their death to receive justice. Some people even have to fight among the debris of their shattered lives simply to get justice.

Today, we in Aontú found out that 44 families are now engaged in legal action against the Government on the circumstances of their loved ones who died in nursing homes or hospitals during the Covid-19 crisis. We in Aontú have put forward a Bill which would provide for an investigation into their experiences. The Government has refused to back that Bill and has so far refused to carry out an independent investigation itself. We are now seeing the floodgates open where people are forced to go to court to get justice for their families. Will the Taoiseach commit to a proper, full and independent investigation in respect of how people were treated in nursing homes and hospitals?

See this speech in context