An investigation has been initiated after it was discovered that there were “missing” notes from a critical meeting of the Stormont Executive. The handwritten notes in question pertain to a meeting that took place on July 2, 2020, which marked the first gathering of ministers following the controversial funeral of senior Republican Bobby Storey. The funeral had sparked political controversies as then deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill and other Sinn Fein ministers attended, in defiance of lockdown restrictions limiting gatherings. The UK Covid-19 Inquiry had previously been informed that these notes were not available, but at the start of Friday’s hearings, it was revealed that the Executive Office (TEO) had located the notes, leaving Inquiry Chairwoman Baroness Hallett “very concerned” about the situation.
During the proceedings, the current head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS), Jayne Brady, confirmed that an investigation into the matter had been ordered. Earlier in the week, former head of NICS Sir David Sterling had mentioned to the inquiry a notable tension between then first minister Arlene Foster and Ms O’Neill after the funeral. Lead counsel Clair Dobbin KC informed that the inquiry was approached by TEO after the opening statements to disclose that they had the minutes of the July 2 meeting, leading to surprise as there was a belief that the notes had already been provided to the inquiry.
Ms Dobbin highlighted the efforts made by the inquiry to obtain these notes and the follow-up inquiries regarding the missing material. She emphasized the significance of these handwritten notes and expressed concern that it took so long for them to be provided. Subsequently, the Chairwoman asked probing questions about the emptying of devices assigned to ministers, prompting Ms Brady to affirm that she had initiated investigations into the matter following the wiping of certain devices.
Ms Brady expressed worries about the disclosure surrounding the July 2 meeting, the reasons behind the loss of notes, and the delayed provision of the information. She noted that there were discrepancies in staff perceptions regarding the level of information required for disclosure, highlighting a disconnect in this area. Concerns were raised about the wiping of phones belonging to the key ministers, indicating a failure in addressing the vulnerabilities within the system.
The inquiry unveiled that Ms Foster and her successor Paul Givan had their mobile phones reset when they left office, while Ms O’Neill’s mobile phone and iPad were cleaned before being returned. Ms Brady acknowledged the similarity of the issues raised during the current inquiry to those brought up during the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry years ago, expressing deep regret over the failure to adequately address these issues. She emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, highlighting the importance of fulfilling obligations under the Freedom of Information Act.
The UK-wide inquiry continued its hearings in Belfast, focusing on the decisions made in Northern Ireland, with intentions to delve deeper into the matters discussed. Hearings are scheduled to resume following the investigation into the missing meeting notes and the wiping of the devices assigned to the ministers, shedding light on substantial issues within the system that require urgent attention and rectification.
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