Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Covid-19 pandemic was a worldwide catastrophe that no one could have anticipated. It brought worry, isolation and loss that will stay with us for some time to come. Some families will never recover. Some lost their loved ones who lay stranded in a nursing home and had to say goodbye through a window or over the phone. It was a cruel and hard time. Most of us rallied and it brought out the best of us. Front-line workers rose to the challenge in a magnificent way. Teachers pivoted to online classrooms and neighbours minded each other. Now we need to take the learning from what was a desperately dark time.

Nearly 12 months ago, Mary Lou McDonald and David Cullinane wrote to the Taoiseach asking for the terms of reference of a Covid inquiry. They heard nothing in response. A meeting with Opposition leaders in December was cancelled. Finally, a meeting is to happen later this week. The Taoiseach has committed to engaging not only with political leaders but also with those who showed bravery, steadfastness and creativity through the Covid crisis. Did he speak to Care Champions, which has been such a strong voice for those who lost family members? Did he speak to the Irish Association of Social Workers, Safeguarding Ireland and representatives of the healthcare trade unions? They must have their say in shaping this inquiry. I have spoken before on the need for a mechanism for families who lost loved ones in places such as Dealgan House.

A Covid inquiry should not be a witch-hunt. It should acknowledge the hard decisions that had to be taken. It should be conscious and respectful of the efforts of all front-line workers and, most important, should acknowledge the trauma still felt by some.

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