To date, 9,278 citizens have died from Covid-19 in this country. Residential institutions have accounted for 28% of those deaths, or 2,642 to date. The Irish Times reported that the Garda is investigating up to 30 nursing homes for possible gross negligence and manslaughter. The Government has promised since 2021 to have its own separate inquiry into these deaths. I appreciate that the Minister was not aware that I would be asking this question today. Therefore, I ask that she get back to me on when the inquiry will be announced as to how we responded, what we did right or wrong and how we can better prepare for a new pandemic into the future.

I know this is an issue the Deputy has raised throughout his distinguished career, if I may say. He has very much advocated on behalf of the elderly people in our community. I will, of course, raise his question directly with the Minister to make sure he has the right timeline and response.