Written Ministerial Statement

The content of this written ministerial statement is as received at the time from the Minister. It has not been subject to the official reporting (Hansard) process.

Publication of the Executive Response to the UK Covid‑19 Inquiry Module 4 Report

The Executive Office

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Published at 1pm on Wednesday 7 October 2026

Ms O’Neill (The First Minister) and Mrs Little-Pengelly (The deputy First Minister): We wish to update the Assembly on the Executive's response to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's Module 4 Report (Vaccines and therapeutics), published on 16 April 2026. The report examined the development, procurement, authorisation and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, together with the use of therapeutics and antivirals during the pandemic and identified lessons to strengthen future pandemic preparedness.

The Executive welcomes the report's findings and recommendations and remains committed to learning the lessons of the pandemic. Since publication, the recommendations have been considered through established cross-departmental arrangements, working closely with the Department of Health and other relevant partners. The Executive's response, published today, sets out our assessment of the report's five recommendations, highlights action already underway, and outlines how these recommendations will be taken forward in Northern Ireland.

Several recommendations will require continued collaboration between the Executive, the other devolved administrations and the UK Government, reflecting the importance of a coordinated approach to future pandemic preparedness.  In addition, there is regular and ongoing engagement between respective policy and professional teams here and in the Republic of Ireland with respect to all aspects of pandemic planning and preparation, including on vaccines and therapeutics.

We recognise the significant contribution of health and social care staff, researchers, scientists, volunteers and community organisations throughout the pandemic. We also acknowledge those who suffered loss or whose lives were significantly affected by Covid-19 and thank all those who contributed evidence to the Inquiry.

The Executive will continue to keep the Assembly informed as work progresses and remains committed to translating the lessons identified by the Inquiry into lasting improvements in public health preparedness, healthcare resilience and support for communities across Northern Ireland.