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Today, the Government confirmed it will conduct an in-depth evaluation of Ireland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a critical step towards understanding our nation’s approach and improving future crisis management. The evaluation, overseen by Professor Anne Scott, is designed to explore the entire government response and will deliver recommendations to strengthen decision-making and safeguard democratic processes for potential future pandemics.
The evaluation will examine a broad range of responses, including the efforts of healthcare services across hospitals, nursing homes, and communities, as well as the economic and social impacts on education and businesses. This approach aims to extract valuable insights into what worked well and what challenges emerged, covering the period from 1 January 2020 to 28 February 2022.
A multi-disciplinary panel, chaired by Professor Scott, will lead the evaluation. Their work will focus on three main outputs: enhancing decision-making and transparency, balancing necessary trade-offs with agility, and ensuring civil rights are maintained in similar whole-of-society responses. Public engagement is a priority, with planned opportunities for submissions from individuals, groups, and representatives to capture the lived experiences of all those affected.
Professor Anne Scott’s Role and Panel Contributions
Professor Anne Scott, with a distinguished academic and clinical background, will chair the evaluation. With extensive experience in Irish and UK healthcare systems and a deep understanding of clinical practice and healthcare ethics, Professor Scott brings a wealth of knowledge to guide this thorough review. Other panel members are yet to be finalised but will be selected for their relevant expertise in health, economic, and social policy.
Scope and Focus Areas of the Evaluation
Key areas of focus include:
- A factual assessment of the country’s pandemic strategy, from governmental structures to stakeholder engagements such as the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
- Health and social care system performance, with particular attention to long-term residential care facilities.
- Evaluation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and their societal impacts, aiming to balance public health needs against economic and personal livelihood concerns.
Importantly, the panel’s scope excludes an examination of clinical decisions by individual healthcare providers, the epidemiology of the virus, and vaccine efficacy, except for limited cases regarding nursing homes.
Expected Deliverables and Timeline
The evaluation panel will submit a final report to the Taoiseach within the next 12-18 months. Interim reports may also be issued on specific topics if early insights indicate immediate areas for policy or procedural adjustments.
This comprehensive review marks a decisive step towards learning from the pandemic and building a stronger, more agile framework for future public health crises, prioritising transparency, inclusivity, and resilience.