Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I call for a debate on the reinstatement of the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response. It has been mentioned a few times since its dissolution on 8 October 2020, 11 days before another level 5 total lockdown was imposed on this country. More than a year later, our case numbers are three times what they were then and the dedicated Covid committee, established to consider and take evidence on the State's response to the Covid-19 pandemic has remained disbanded having been forced to give its final report less than half way through the pandemic it was established to help with.

The reason for its dissolution is as clear now as it was at the time. As Senator McDowell explained earlier this month, the Government found it inconvenient that there should be a forum of parliamentarians to which it would be responsible. A dedicated Covid committee established with the expressed dual purpose of (a) critically analysing and evaluating the Government's response to Covid and (b) planning a legitimate roadmap out of this crisis for the country. It is a no-brainer.

At this stage of the pandemic the people deserve something a little more from the Government than sitting and waiting, watching case numbers rise with their hands over the big red lockdown button. Is a grand exit plan being whipped up behind closed doors? No one would be happier than myself but unfortunately it seems the failure of the vaccines and the Covid certificates to suppress the virus is to change nothing and continue to champion the same measures.

The most vaccinated county in this country is the one with the most cases. Covid certificates can allow people with Covid to enter premises while barring those who are Covid free. It is not working. It no longer makes sense. Something needs to change. Most importantly, we need a committee with teeth. Last time, NPHET only appeared before the committee once or twice. We need a proper committee with the powers to service its function. NPHET, the national immunisation advisory committee, NIAC, the Minister for Health and all must be answerable to it to ensure all decisions being made at a national policy level are adequately scrutinised. Can we discuss this in the House or, better yet, establish the committee with colleagues from both Houses and get on with the work?