Northern Ireland

SDLP calls for public inquiry into Stormont executive's decision making during the pandemic

Chairman of the Executive Office scrutiny committee Colin McGrath
Chairman of the Executive Office scrutiny committee Colin McGrath Chairman of the Executive Office scrutiny committee Colin McGrath

THE SDLP has called on the first and deputy first ministers to commit to holding a public inquiry into the Stormont executive's decision making during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chairman of the Executive Office Committee Colin McGrath said the restrictions imposed on people over the past year demanded accountability and scrutiny.

"This is the single greatest public health crisis in living memory, it has required the entire machinery of government to respond," he said.

"We need to be assured that, at all times, ministers acted appropriately, that people were protected and that the strict rules around public finances were applied.”