The Covid-19 Evaluation Panel has today launched a public consultation phase, inviting members of the public to respond to a survey about their pandemic experience in Ireland.
The survey takes roughly 15 minutes to complete and can be accessed at covid19evaluation.ie/share-your-experience.
It will be open to submissions until July 1.
“The independent COVID-19 Evaluation wants to understand the wide-ranging impacts. This Consultation gives you an opportunity to share your personal experience,” the webpage reads, adding that “your input will help the Evaluation learn lessons to guide decision making for future events”.
The Evaluation officially began its work in February this year, and is chaired by Professor Anne Scott.
Sitting on the evaluation panel is Professor David Heymann, Dr Nat O’Connor, Dr Nora Strecker and Professor Bert Gordijn.
The panel has been tasked by Government with compiling “a comprehensive independent Report,” and will take a “a transparent, cooperative and non-adversarial approach”.
As such, the body has no statutory powers to compel witnesses or evidence.
The Evaluation Panel will submit its final report to the Taoiseach approximately 12-18 months after commencement.
Speaking in advance, Prof Scott said “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,” she said.