Politics
Covid Review Remit Changes
Kate Brunner KC has been appointed chair of the review.
Tynwald will next week be asked to alter the remit of the independent review into the gov’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kate Brunner KC has been appointed chair of the review.
Included in the changes is expanding the period which the review will look at. Instead of running from December 2019 to the end of September 2021, the review will cover the period from December 1 2019 up to April 1 2022.
Secondly, Tynwald will be asked to approve a change in the wording of the around the publication of the final document.
The changes would be to: ‘Leave out the words “The final report will be a public document to include the evidence gathered on which any conclusions and recommendations are based” and to add in their place the words “The final report will be a public document which will summarise the evidence gathered on which any conclusions and recommendations are based. Evidence, extracts from evidence, and summaries of evidence will be published at the Chair’s discretion subject to considerations of confidentiality, relevance, cost and practicality”.’
Further changes could also be made the terms of reference if there is agreement between CoMin and the Public Accounts Committee, so long as both are in agreement that ‘such amendments are not likely to increase the cost of the review or reduce its value, and that any amendments so made shall be laid before Tynwald’.
The further issues relate to Tynwald waiving privilege in relation to all unpublished records held by PAC and other review committees ranging from December 1 2019 to April 1 2022 and that they can be provided to the review ‘on terms decided by the relevant committee if requested’.
Finally Tynwald will also waive privilege in relation to any information relevant to COVID-19 which was circulated to all members and the Clerk of Tynwald by or on behalf of a member during the period up to April 2022.
It has previously been stated that the review will be finished by December 31 2023. However, if Ms Brunner decided she needs more time or believes a more thorough review is needed, then she can request this at her discretion.
