Two other councils have joined the call for an independent public inquiry into Covid-19 deaths in care homes which was initiated by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, passing by majority last year.

A second motion also passed earlier this year supporting the Commissioner for Older People, Eddie Lynch, after his demand for answers into why care home residents were “disproportionately affected” by the pandemic.

He spoke of “a huge number of excess deaths in care homes, with the latest figures revealing deaths of residents account for 30 per cent of all Covid-related deaths”.

That Motion, as in the previous call for a public inquiry, was similarly tabled by Independent members, Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh and Councillor Josephine Deehan, and passed by majority vote, with only the Ulster Unionists opposing.

At the most recent full Council meeting, correspondence was received from Mid Ulster District Council and Ards, and North Down Borough Council, expressing support.

Communication from the Executive Office in Stormont indicated the absence of a First Minister and Deputy First Minister prevented a response; however, it suggested this could be re-submitted if that position changes.

Among other correspondence was a reply from the Minister for Health, Robin Swann, on Dr. Niall Herity’s report of a clinical analysis of discharge patterns, and any link between Covid outbreaks in care homes.

Branded a whitewash by some members, Councillor O’Cofaigh and Councillor Deehan also succeeded in a Motion rejecting the findings last July.

The Minister’s response came last month, with the length of time to reply described as “disrespectful”, which an Ulster Unionist member took issue with.

Welcomed

Councillor Deehan welcomed the support of other councils and the fact the Commissioner is calling for an inquiry “attests to the seriousness of the situation”.

Likewise, Councillor O’Cofaigh welcomed the support, which “sends a signal that isn’t going away – there has to be truth and openness on the 1,200 people who died in care homes with Covid”.

As to the Minister replying to Dr. Herity’s review, he said: “Our letter was sent last year and has only been responded to in March this year.

“That is a reflection of some degree of disrespect to this Council, probably because we are challenging something they would prefer to bury.

“Decisions were made, but there doesn’t seem to be much comeback. It’s vital we stand up for these people and their families and ensure the same mistakes  aren’t made again.

“We don’t want to see people with contagion put into care homes, and the truth needs to come out on what actually happened.”

However, Ulster Unionist Councillor Victor Warrington objected to the contention around the Minister’s delay in responding, telling members: “He’s a very busy individual and it’s a very busy department.

“When you look at the amount of letters this Council alone has been sending, I’m wondering what that would be in comparison to others.”

Councillor Warrington stressed: “We were not against an inquiry, and as I’ve said previously on stuff, nobody set out to cause the deaths of any people within care homes.

“It was unfortunately a very difficult time and situation, and people weren’t sure what we were dealing with when the pandemic broke out.”

Members agreed to resubmit their correspondence backing the Commissioner’s call for a public inquiry when the Executive is re-formed.