Taoiseach expects inquiry this year into handling of Covid-19

Varadkar says process not 'about pointing fingers or ascribing blame' but improving preparedness for any future pandemics

The inquiry will look to improve pandemic preparedness, rather than putting blame on individuals, said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Picture: Denis Minihane

There will be an inquiry into Ireland's handling of Covid-19 in 2023, the Taoiseach "expects".

However, Leo Varadkar says he does not expect that the inquiry will be a "finger-pointing" exercise and that he is conscious that many staff who would be called to testify are still working on the frontlines.