Advocates worried about covid inquiry's inability to force decision-makers to testify

Majella Beattie, who founded advocacy group Care Champions, said: “Many of us intend to give our evidence in public and we demand the unfettered right to do so.” Photo: Bob Morrison

Bereaved families during the pandemic have hit out at how an inquiry into the covid-19 pandemic in Ireland is being framed, advocacy group Care Champions have said.

The group was set up in 2020 mainly comprising of families with relatives in nursing homes under lockdown who came together to advocate for stronger protections and supports. Founded by Majella Beattie, they also highlighted serious concerns around patients in hospitals left without visitors for months.