Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Government has undertaken a lot of work in respect of an evaluation of how the nation did in respect of Covid-19, which was an extremely traumatic and devastating time for many families across the country who lost their loved ones. No doubt vaccination changed the course of the pandemic and enabled us to live with Covid into the future, but it still is a dangerous virus, particularly for older people. That is why vaccination is essential, in my view, and why we urge people to get their annual vaccination in respect of Covid and the flu.

There will be a national evaluation. We are looking for personnel to lead-up that evaluation but much of the work has been done in respect of it.

In terms of specific inquiries into specific locations, that is a matter on which a decision has not been made. Whether one covers that under the overall national evaluation or a different mechanism for the specific issues that the Deputy has raised is something the Government is open to considering.

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