I raise an issue about which I have been contacted by countless families, as Sinn Féin's spokesperson for older people. These families carry the anguish and distress of the tragic loss of their loved ones due to Covid in nursing homes. They cry out for a comprehensive inquiry, as promised by the Taoiseach in January. This is not merely a policy matter; it goes to the heart of their fundamental human rights. Therefore, will the Minister commit to a clear timeframe for the inquiry before the onset of the summer recess? We know the HSE cannot perform such an inquiry. I urge the Minister to act on this now in order that the grieving families can get the answers they absolutely deserve.

The Taoiseach is really aware of the importance of an evaluation or assessment of how our State performed in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, for many reasons, not least of which is the loss of life many experienced, especially in our nursing homes and the sober reality that we may have to confront another pandemic at some point in the future. We urgently need to learn from our experience of dealing with the last one. I am afraid it is not for me to speak on behalf of the Taoiseach and lay out a timeline for when that will happen. The Taoiseach is personally committed to the issue and wants to ensure it is done properly. I am sure he will lay out what will happen later in the year, if not sooner than that. I could not, however, speak on behalf of the Taoiseach about a matter we accept is so important.