'Preparing for the future' - Public invited to have their say on Covid experience

The independent expert panel undertaking Ireland’s COVID-19 Evaluation has today launched a nationwide public consultation, inviting individuals, families, workers, carers, communities and businesses to share their experiences of the pandemic.

Ireland’s COVID-19 Evaluation is an independent non-statutory entity, chaired by Professor Anne Scott. Its purpose is to learn lessons from the pandemic by examining Ireland’s response and impacts across the health and care system, wider society and the economy.

This consultation is one element of a wider programme of work. The insights gathered will inform the Evaluation’s final report, a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis to help Ireland prepare more effectively for future emergencies.

Accessible online at covid19evaluation.ie/share-your-experience, the consultation is open to all adults across the country. It offers an opportunity for people to share how the pandemic response impacted them to inform future learnings. Individuals can respond through an online survey or written submission. Stakeholder organisations are also invited to contribute formal submissions.

The Evaluation is supported by a multidisciplinary panel of national and international experts. Three additional members, Dr Nat O’Connor, Prof Bert Gordijn, and Dr Nora Strecker, have now joined the panel, joining the Chair and Professor David Heymann, further strengthening its breadth and expertise.

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Speaking in advance, Prof Scott, Chairperson of the COVID-19 Evaluation, said:

“Today we are inviting members of the public to share their experiences of the pandemic. This is the first step in building a clear and honest picture of how COVID-19 was lived and felt by individuals, families and communities throughout Ireland.

“Our goal is to produce a thorough, independent assessment of Ireland’s pandemic response. One that reflects real life as well as official records.

“While several reports and analyses have already been produced, there has been no single overview of the full impact of COVID-19 on Irish society. By reviewing existing documentation, drawing on international and national research, and engaging directly with key decision makers, we aim to understand what worked and what didn’t.

“It’s about learning — and making sure Ireland is better prepared for the future.”

The Evaluation will build a detailed understanding of Ireland’s response across the health and care sector, society and the economy. It will draw on a wide range of inputs, including requested documentation, research, and lived experience, to produce a final Report within 12-18 months.

The consultation is now open and will run until 1 July. Individuals and organisations can participate at covid19evaluation.ie/share-your-experience/.