Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the Government intends to establish its Covid inquiry in early September. Speaking with reporters at Government Buildings today, the Taoiseach said "our intention is to establish [the inquiry] early next month".
The "exact structure" of the inquiry will be a matter for its chairperson, he said, but repeated it will be established in the coming weeks.
Mr Harris, and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, have said on a number of occasions in recent months that a Covid inquiry is needed in order to evaluate Ireland's response to the pandemic.
They have also said an inquiry, and any evidence from it, will be helpful in informing any planned protections against future pandemics.