O'Neill says Stormont now better prepared for pandemic after inquiry

First Minister Michelle O'Neill stated the Stormont Executive is better equipped to handle a future pandemic following the UK Covid-19 Inquiry report, which criticised decision-making during the crisis.

By Rachel Graham1 min read

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Parliament Buildings at Stormont in east Belfast — Parliament Buildings at Stormont in Belfast. File photograph. Picture: Johndmcdonald, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Michelle O'Neill, who served as deputy first minister during the pandemic, said the Stormont Executive is now better prepared for a health crisis. She cited the need to learn from past shortcomings and implement changes.

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry report described decision-making in Northern Ireland as chaotic and influenced by political disputes. It noted insufficient attention to a second wave and limited contingency planning for restrictions.

O'Neill acknowledged regrets over her attendance at a funeral during the pandemic, stating it caused additional harm to grieving families. She confirmed the executive is recruiting a Chief Scientific Advisor as part of emergency planning improvements.