'Significant' amount of information for Covid review outstanding

Review chair says process has had to be adjusted due to delay

An independent review of how the Isle of Man handled the Covid-19 pandemic has had to change the way it’s working due to a delay in the information it needs from government.

Material for the investigation, which is being led by Kate Brunner KC, was supposed to have been handed over by the end of January.

However this didn’t happen and the team was still receiving a ‘significant’ amount of information in June.

Despite a ‘good’ level of cooperation this means the review process has had to be adjusted to deal with the delay although this isn’t expected to affect the delivery of the report at the end of the year.

Ms Brunner says she’s still waiting for information from Manx Care – described as ‘significant’ – but adds she’s assured that the chief executive is ‘seeking to address the problem’.

She’s thanked the hundreds of people who have provided material for the review saying she understands it’s been a ‘difficult process’ for many to relive their experiences of the pandemic.

Ms Brunner has also clarified that she has ‘no concern’ about responses to Freedom of Information requests, from people seeking information from government, interfering with the review.

She says requests should not be refused on the basis that releasing information would compromise her probe and has confirmed she’s asked for that message to be conveyed to departments.

You can find Ms Brunner’s full update HERE.

Manx Radio has invited Manx Care to respond to Ms Brunner's comments.