Despite Fermanagh and Omagh District Council agreeing a motion supporting the call by Commissioner for Older People Eddie Lynch for a public inquiry into the handling of Covid-19 in care homes, and advising all Stormont Departments of this position, just two responses were received – one of which was described as “fundamentally disrespectful”.

An email was presented to members from the office of Minister for Finance Conor Murphy, advising he would not be responding, while a letter from the Minister for Health, Robin Swann, felt an inquiry specific to Northern Ireland was not required.

This was based on the Prime Minister’s announcement of a UK-wide public inquiry; however, he suggested a Northern Ireland probe could be considered when this concludes.

Motion proposer, Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh, Independent, described Minister Swann’s correspondence as “hiding behind the broken shield of the Prime Minister’s so-called public inquiry”.

He continued: “Obviously, we need to have some level of accountability in Stormont. I’d like to highlight there is now a judicial review being taken on this.

“Our position is very strong in demanding a public inquiry and democratic accountability from the Stormont minister who has presided over this policy.”

Councillor Josephine Deehan, Independent, who seconded the Motion, said: “I’m very proud of the position this Council has taken.

“I feel Minister Swann should support the Commissioner for Older People, who himself has called for a public inquiry because it’s important to recognise where mistakes were made, and how they can be prevented from occurring in the future.”

Turning to Minister Murphy’s response, she said: “I find this deeply disappointing. We can barely call it correspondence.

“It’s not a letter from the Minister – it’s a very brief email from his private office, which is fundamentally disrespectful to this Council and the Commissioner.

“I won’t rehearse the arguments of the Motion, but this Council proposed it in sincerity, and out of concern for our older population.

“The situation which pertains in the UK generally is not applicable directly to the decisions taken by our Stormont Executive, and we need answers in that respect.”

Councillor Deehan concluded: “I wish to record my disappointment at the responses. However, at least Minister Murphy and Minister Swann actually read the correspondence, and we haven’t had any update from other Departments.”

Concluding the discussion, Councillor Emmet McAleer, Independent, told members: “We requested that all ministers support this Council’s call for a public inquiry, and trusted this was given due consideration.

“We got a response from Minister Murphy’s private office which is very unsatisfactory.

“He is confirming by his silence that he doesn’t support the public inquiry. It’s hugely disappointing.

“We’re still waiting on other minsters to respond.”

He insisted: “This is something we really need to push forward on. It’s been a complete scandal, and I’m thankful this Council has passed a Motion to see this inquiry coming to fruition.”