Whistleblower told covid inquiry will not take on board protected disclosures

Officials overseeing the forthcoming covid inquiry informed whistleblower Shane Corrt hat it is 'not seeking to replace or supersede alternative processes'. Picture: RTÉ Investigates/RTÉ

Ireland’s pending covid inquiry has been accused of an “extraordinary” lapse before it has even begun after it emerged it will not accept submissions from whistleblowers.

The inquiry, which is expected to gather testimony and relevant documents for at least the next 18 months, has said that given its status as a “non-statutory entity”, it will not be incorporating protected disclosures into its workflow.