Covid inquiry: Gaps in Wales' response to pandemic, committee says
It is the first report from the Covid-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee since it was set up in May 2023, with the remit to find gaps in the ongoing Covid inquiry that need to be examined in more detail in Wales.The initial UK Covid inquiry report was published last July and the Welsh government gave its response in January.While the Senedd committee took that response into consideration, it has gathered evidence to establish if there were any gaps, and engaged experts from Nottingham Trent University to assist.The gaps are:
To review the most effective resilience and preparedness model for WalesTo learn how civil contingency roles can be clarified and accountability improvedReview the ways data access and sharing occurredConsider the effectiveness of communication of policy and guidance to the publicLook at civil contingencies across borders, where responsibilities are shared, unclear or complexReview how leading resilience processes can be shared in WalesReview how societal inequalities could be incorporated into the preparedness and resilience structuresReview the benefits of a Wales-specific approach to strengthen resilience systemsConsider the best way for Wales implement the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 1 report recommendations
Co-chairs of the special purpose committee, Tom Giffard MS and Joyce Watson MS, said the pandemic was a "painful and traumatic experience for many in Wales". In a statement, they said: "We are extremely grateful for the insights and experiences shared by everyone who assisted us with our work, including our public consultation and stakeholder event."We have detailed our conclusions and highlighted each area we believe requires further examination."The Senedd will be asked approve this further inquiry on 2 April. If agreed, the committee will then begin work on Wales-specific scrutiny beyond the hearings already done by the UK-wide Inquiry.
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