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Key Calendar Dates 

  • Client Update Webinar Monday 27th March 2023 – 6pm
  • Module 2B: Core decision- making; political governance in Wales. Wednesday 29th March 2023 – 10am
  • Module 2C: Core decision- making; political governance in Northern Ireland. Wednesday 29th March 2023 – 1.45pm

News & Insights 

PA Duffy & Co. Solicitors are committed to providing you with the latest news and insights from the Inquiry. We will communicate on a regular basis with our clients to ensure that you are fully appraised on the latest developments in the Covid-19 Inquiry, and that you understand what these mean for you and your family. 

To receive the PA Duffy & Co. Covid-19 Inquiry Newsletter please register your interest at covidinquiry@paduffy.com

To view core participant submissions, preliminary hearing transcripts, rulings and other relevant documents, please visit the official UK Covid-19 Inquiry website available here.

Inquiry Updates

Every Story Matters – National Listening Exercise – 3rd March 2023

Previously, the Chair confirmed that the Inquiry were working to develop a comprehensive listening exercise called ‘Every Story Matters.’

In response to organisations’ feedback the inquiry have decided to: 

  • Community listening events will be held across the UK. This will include sessions attended by the Chair and other inquiry staff members, which will be launched later this year.
  • Provide different ways for people to share their story. A new webform with a ‘save and come back’ feature has been developed. In addition, alternative ways to respond to the exercise including a paper form and phoneline will be made available for those who cannot go online. 
  • In-person sessions will be held to reach under-represented groups.
  • Emotional support for anyone sharing their story and trauma informed training for anyone speaking to members of the public about their experience will be offered, to ensure those who speak and share will be supported. 

Module 2: Core political and administrative decision-making in the UK. Second Preliminary Hearing – 1st March 2023  

A second preliminary hearing for Module 2 took place on Wednesday 1st March 2023. The Chair’s respective ruling from this hearing is available to be read here. 

 

There will be a further Module 2 Preliminary Hearing before the summer but the date remains to be determined. 

 

Module 2C which will examine core political and administrative decision-making in Northern Ireland will take place later this month on Wednesday 29th March 2023 at 1.45pm. To watch the full preliminary hearing, you can do so via the UK Covid 19 Public Inquiry YouTube Channel.

Module 3: Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on healthcare systems in the 4 nations of the UK. First Preliminary Hearing – 28th February 2023

        

The Inquiry held its first preliminary hearing for Module 3 on Tuesday 28th February 2023. The Chair’s respective ruling from this hearing is available to be read here. 

 

A further preliminary hearing for Module 3 will be held later in 2023 with details to be confirmed. It is anticipated that the hearing in Module 3 will commence on a date to be confirmed in 2024. To watch the full preliminary hearing, you can do so via the UK Covid 19 Public Inquiry YouTube Channel.

 

Working Together: The UK Covid-19 Inquiry and the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry – 23rd February 2023 

 

The UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry have published details on how they will work together with the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry. 

Lord Brailsford, Chair of the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry and Baroness Heather Hallett, Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry have agreed to a memorandum of understanding to minimise duplication of the investigations, evidence gathering and reporting.

 

This memorandum, signed by both inquiries, includes a  commitment to provide clear information to the public about each inquiry process to avoid the unnecessary duplication of investigation.  

Baroness Heather Hallett, Chair of the UK Covid-19, Inquiry said:

“It is vital that our two Inquiries provide clarity for people in Scotland, particularly those most impacted by the pandemic, on how we will work together. Doing so will mean that we can answer as many questions as possible about the UK’s response to the pandemic, and all learn lessons for the future.” 

“The publication of the memorandum of understanding is an important first step in underlining our commitment to work together and providing clarity for people in Scotland on how each Inquiry is fulfilling its Terms of Reference in relation to Scottish matters.”

Lord Brailsford, Chair of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry, said:

“This agreement reflects an understanding between both Inquiries as to how we will seek to avoid duplication and enhance public understanding of each other’s work, including our parallel public engagement exercises.”

“By working together, we aim to ensure no issues fall through gaps and that we share information and plans, for the benefit of the people of Scotland.”

Both Inquiries are expected to meet monthly to discuss topics that appear within both Inquiries’ Terms of Reference. 

Module 1: Preparedness and Resilience. Public Hearings Announced – 22nd February 2023

It has been announced that following the preliminary hearing that took place on 14th February 2023, the Chair of the Inquiry, Baroness Hallett has ruled that the public hearings for Module 1 will officially take place on Tuesday 13th June 2023. This will allow more time for Core Participants and the Inquiry team to prepare. 

A third preliminary hearing for Module 1 has been provisionally scheduled for the 25th April 2023. 

The Chair’s respective ruling from the preliminary hearing on 14th February 2023 is available to be read here.

Module 3: Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on healthcare systems in the 4 nations of the UK. Preliminary Hearing Announced – 15th February 2023

The Inquiry announced an additional date for its first preliminary hearing on Module 3 which will examine the impact of Covid-19 on our healthcare systems.  This hearing is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday 28th February at 10.00am. 

To watch the full preliminary hearing, you can do so via the UK Covid 19 Public Inquiry YouTube Channel

The agenda for this hearing includes:

  • Introductory remarks from the Chair of the Inquiry.
  • A general update from Counsel to the Inquiry, including:
  • The designation of Core Participants involved.
  • A provisional outline of the scope of Module 3.
  • Evidence gathering.
  • Disclosure to the Core Participants.
  • The Listening Exercise – Every Story Matters.
  • Future hearing dates.
  • Submissions from Core Participants will be reviewed.

Submissions made by counsel on behalf of core participants will be presented to the inquiry. The aim of this is to assist in the preparation for upcoming public hearings, where evidence will be heard. 

In addition, the Chair has confirmed that the Inquiry are working to develop a comprehensive listening exercise called ‘Every Story Matters.’ The aim of this is to allow for direct participation in the inquiry, by providing the opportunity for individuals across the UK to share their lived experiences of the pandemic. Consequently, this exercise will provide a record of the pandemic for future generations. 

Our Team

Director

Conal McGarrity
Solicitor

Enda McGarrity
Solicitor

Jim McGinnis
Trainee Solicitor

Danielle Garrity
Paralegal

Jack Morgan
Paralegal

Amy Wolfe
Paralegal

Kaitlin Holdsworth
Legal Executive

Brighdin Mullin
Legal Executive

Ellen Bates
Paralegal

Sarah Kirk
Paralegal

Rachael Hynds

Director

Conal McGarrity

Conal became the youngest legal director in Ireland when he was appointed director in 2017.  He qualified as a Solicitor in 2014 having graduated from Queen’s University where he received the Lord Chief Justice’s Prize for academic achievement.

He practices in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.  He is an expert in the areas of human rights, dispute resolution, medical negligence, fraud & financial crime.

He is regularly instructed in the most serious and high-profile cases within Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland.  He currently represents clients in cases pending before the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, the Supreme Court in London and the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.  Conal also tutors in the areas of public law and medical negligence at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Conal is also instructed in challenges against State authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in respect of failures to establish Public Inquiries to investigate the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in each jurisdiction.  He is also the Recognised Legal Representative for NI Covid Bereaved Families for Justice in the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry which is due to begin hearings in May 2023 in London.

Conal represented his county, Tyrone at minor level where he won an Ulster Championship medal.  He has also won McRory Cup & Hogan Cup medals with his school, St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon.

Notable cases
  • In the matter of an application by JR79 for Judicial Review & in the matter of decisions taken by a school and a Health & Social Care Trust – Judicial Review, High Court Northern Ireland – Article 8 – judgment granted in favour of client (child).
  • In the matter of an application by TKF for Judicial Review – Judicial Review, High Court Northern Ireland – challenge to EU Regulation 4/2009 on the application & enforcement of foreign maintenance orders prior to member state becoming a member of the EU
  • In the matter of an application by Tadeusz Stach for Judicial Review – Judicial Review, High Court Northern Ireland – challenge to the Conservative Government policy of homeless EEA nationals
  • In the matter of an application by Raymond Archer for Judicial Review – Judicial Review, High Court – challenge to access to budgeting loan for a class of benefit recipients (264,000 individuals)
  • In the matter of an application by BMN1 for Judicial Review – Judicial Review, High Court Belfast – challenge to school/Education Authority on a decision to exclude a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN) from school/ failure to make proper educational provision
  • Barbara Kozyra v St James Hospital, Dublin – Medical negligence, High Court Dublin – stem cell transplant mistake resulting in avoidable death – substantial settlement
  • MB v Belfast Health & Social Care Trust – Medical negligence, High Court Belfast – significant injuries due to failure to administer required treatment – substantial settlement
  • RJ v Southern Health & Social Care Trust – Medical negligence, High Court Belfast, stroke resulting in significant brain injury
  • MJ (a child) v Belfast Health & Social Care Trust – Medical Negligence, High Court Belfast – catastrophic birthing injury
  • Southern Health & Social Care Trust v RK and in the Matter of RM (a child), Care Proceedings & Freeing for Adoption (defending) – High Court Belfast
  • Southern Health & Social Care Trust v LA and in the Matter of PA & RA (a child), Care Proceedings & Freeing for Adoption (defending) – High Court Belfast
  • Southern Health & Social Care Trust v PD and in the matter of PS & PR (a child) – Care Proceedings, High Court Belfast
  • R v M & others, ongoing allegation MTIC £39 million fraud
  • R v F & others – ongoing allegation of a £215 million money laundering
  • Hickson Commission – Public Inquiry, Dublin (ongoing) – The Commission will inquire into the level of knowledge of the offences committed by notorious paedophile Billy Kinneally was held by a number of organisations including An Garda Siochana, the Waterford Diocese, the South Eastern Health Board, Basketball Ireland and high profile political figures
  • In the Matter of a Preliminary Reference under Article 267 TFEU from the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland to the European Court of Justice, Luxembourg – Case Number 1132471 EN Preliminary Reference C-729/19
  • R v Djalo & Ors – Murder
  • R v Lawlor & 2 ORS – Rape
  • R v SB – Rape
  • Judicial Review 18 Applicants -v- An Taoiseach, Minister for Health, Minister for Finance, Attorney General Ireland – challenge to the Republic of Ireland Government’s failure to hold an investigation into nursing home deaths during Covid-19 pandemic
  • Recognised Legal Representative for NI Covid 19 Bereaved Families for Justice – UK COVID-19 Public Inquiry
  • Application by Oliver Hughes for Judicial Review and in the Matter of Decisions of The Department for Communities – challenge to the prohibition on the operation of private crematoria in Northern Ireland
Conal McGarrity was last modified: March 6th, 2023 by Chris Rowan

Email:conal@paduffy.com

Solicitor

Enda McGarrity

Enda joined PA Duffy & Company as a paralegal in 2018 having graduated from Queens University Belfast with honours. After completing his apprenticeship with PA Duffy and Company Enda qualified as a solicitor and is now head of the Healthcare department in the firm.

Enda’s caseload consists of high value medical negligence claims, historical abuse claims, Inquests and Judicial Review. He is also instructed in various challenges against State authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in respect of failures to establish Public Inquiries to investigate the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in each jurisdiction.

Enda has a strong sense of justice and is always keen to assist the most vulnerable people in society. During his training Enda took part in a 5-week human rights internship in Cape Town, South Africa where he provided legal assistance to refugees and members of the LGBTQI community who were being subjected to discrimination. He continues to carry these values in his current workload by representing the interests of vulnerable care home residents, bereaved families, victims of historical abuse and those who have suffered significant injuries as a result of medical negligence.

Enda is a keen Gaelic footballer, he has represented County Tyrone at Minor level and continues to play for his club Galbally Pearses GAC. Enda has received an Ulster Colleges All-star award and was a member of the Elite Athlete Programme at Queens University Belfast. He is also an active member of a charity called St Ciaran’s Peregrini who provide aid to a small town in Zambia and he has visited Zambia on three occasions to assist on various community projects.

Notable cases

  • Murphy & Ors -v- An Taoiseach & Ors 2021/727JR: Ongoing Judicial Review challenge against the Irish State in respect of the failure to establish a public inquiry or another suitable investigation in to the handling of Covid-19 in Ireland;
  • Covid Bereaved Families for Justice NI – instructed to represent bereaved families at a public inquiry in to the handling of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland and/or the UK;
  • SW v OLSPCK – Judicial Review challenge against the decision of a secondary school to unlawfully remove a child from their pupils register. The challenge was conceded by the respondent and the child was re-admitted to the school;
  • Blessing Marindo v Department of Home Affairs for South Africa – Judicial Review challenge against the Department’s decision to withdraw refugee status and deport a blind refugee who was fleeing political violence in Zimbabwe. The challenge was conceded by the Respondents. Our client’s refugee status was reinstated and he was granted leave to remain in South Africa. Enda was an intern for an NGO known as PASSOP and worked in conjunction with the Legal Resources Centre in Cape Town.
  • RP v KP – Road traffic accident case involving life threatening injuries where settlement of €300,000 was achieved for our client in the High Court in Dublin;
  • TS v AC – Accident at work case involving serious knee and leg injuries where settlement of £125,000 was achieved for our client in the High Court in Belfast;
  • AM v EF – Accident at work case involving serious hand injury where settlement of £100,000 was achieved for our client in the High Court in Belfast;
  • PL v AG – Accident at work case involving serious head injury where settlement of £100,000 was achieved for our client in the High Court in Belfast;

Enda McGarrity was last modified: March 26th, 2022 by Conal McGarrity

Email:enda@paduffy.com

Solicitor

Jim McGinnis

Jim holds a First-Class Honours Degree in Law from the University of Ulster.  He is an experienced solicitor and advocate.  He specialises in Human Rights Law, and Administrative & Public Law, and has brought Judicial Review challenges against a range of public authorities where they have breached the rights of citizens under national and/or international law. 

He has a keen interest in International Law and has successfully challenged the proposed extradition of individuals from the jurisdiction.

Jim is also an experienced criminal solicitor.  He has represented clients before Courts throughout the jurisdiction and represented clients in complex fraud cases.

Jim McGinnis was last modified: February 15th, 2023 by Conal McGarrity

Email:jim@paduffy.com

Trainee Solicitor

Danielle Garrity

Danielle joined P.A. Duffy and Company in August 2020 as a Legal Executive. She then started her Solicitor training in September 2021 through the Institute of Professional Legal Studies and is due to qualify as a Solicitor this year in October 2023. She is currently working with the Covid Inquiry Team, Criminal Department, and Litigation Department.   

She graduated from Queens University Belfast in 2018 with LLB Honours and she then proceeded to complete her Masters in Law at Trinity College, Dublin in 2019. She then moved to New York to gain experience in the legal field before sitting the New York Bar Exam in 2020. Danielle therefore has knowledge and experience of the law across three jurisdictions- UK, ROI, and USA. 

Her core principle and value is to enhance the lives of others through her work. She believes that her values will both help and heal others. She views the legal profession as a healing profession which reconciles clients with their appropriate remedy.

Outside of work Danielle is passionate about the gym and yoga. She is a caffeine enthusiast and loves to spend time with her nearest and dearest as well as her little Irish doodle, Millie. She loves to travel when she gets the opportunity and try different restaurants. It is a daily requirement for Danielle to hit her steps. All of her personal activities enable her to lead a rich, full, and meaningful life which contributes to the quality of her work in the legal field.  

She is studying reflexology and will be a fully qualified and accredited advanced reflexologist in 2023. She hopes to implement this into the lives of others including her work colleagues, family and friends.

Danielle Garrity was last modified: February 15th, 2023 by Conal McGarrity

Email:danielle@paduffy.com

Paralegal

Jack Morgan

Jack joined P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors in 2022 as a paralegal.

After completing a law degree Jack completed an LLM in Access to Justice. During his LLM, Jack completed a placement in the Ulster Law Clinic. Here Jack gained practical experience assisting clients with employment law and social security matters.

Jack is currently working as part of our Covid-19 Public Inquiry team.

Jack enjoys reading, running and travelling in his spare time.

Jack Morgan was last modified: February 17th, 2023 by Conal McGarrity

Email:jack@paduffy.com

Paralegal

Amy Wolfe

Amy joined P.A. Duffy Solicitors in January 2023 where she acquired a role as a paralegal working on the current Covid 19 Public Inquiry.

Amy has a particular interest in Criminal Law, International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law. Amy has spent the last seven years working through various degrees; a Bachelors of Honours Criminology & Criminal Justice, a Masters in Peace & Conflict Studies and an LLB in Law at Queens University Belfast. During this length of time, Amy has obtained an extensive amount of academic knowledge that has construed perfectly in line with her work.

Amy is currently working as part of our Covid-19 Public Inquiry team.

In her spare time, Amy loves to go mountain biking, going for walks and loves to travel when possible. Amy also enjoys helping to raise money for charitable institutions were possible. A fun fact about Amy is that she independently travelled through various parts of America when she was 18 years old.

Amy would define herself as a very confident, ambitious and bubby individual with a strive for excellence and dedication to her work.

Amy Wolfe was last modified: February 17th, 2023 by Conal McGarrity

Email:amy@paduffy.com

Paralegal

Kaitlin Holdsworth

Kaitlin graduated with an LLB (Hons) in Law with Criminology from Ulster University in 2019. She is currently studying a Masters Degree in Access to Justice through Ulster University. The LLM in Access to Justice provides training in client care management, representation, dispute resolution, social security law, employment law and family law.

After graduating in 2019, Kaitlin secured employment in the Community Advice Sector working as a Social Security Tribunal Representative before joining the team at P.A. Duffy & Company in January 2023.

Kaitlin is currently working as part of our Covid-19 Public Inquiry team.

Outside of work, Kaitlin is passionate about community work and has set up numerous cross-community initiatives and activities. She is also the Secretary of her local GAA club.

Kaitlin Holdsworth was last modified: February 15th, 2023 by Conal McGarrity

Email:kaitlin@paduffy.com

Legal Executive

Brighdin Mullin

Brighdín is currently studying Law LLB (Hons) at Queen’s University Belfast. She has a particular interest in Medical Law and Human Rights Law and hopes to specialise in this in her future legal career. Brighdín has recently completed an Erasmus semester abroad in Budapest, Hungary and has been awarded seven academic awards including the Lord Lowry Prize and Sir Donald Murray Prize.

Bridghdin is currently working as part of our Covid-19 Public Inquiry team.

Outside of work Brighdín enjoys spending time with her friends and family and travelling when she can.

Brighdin Mullin was last modified: February 17th, 2023 by Conal McGarrity

Email:brighdin@paduffy.com

Legal Executive

Ellen Bates

Ellen is currently an undergraduate studying Law LLB at the Ulster University. She has particular interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Medical Law and Family Law and hopes to specialise in these areas later in her legal career.

Ellen is a prominent member of the Ulster University Law Society and has represented the law school in two prestigious moots during her first semester of University.

In her spare time, she enjoys meeting up with friends and spending quality time with her family.

Ellen Bates was last modified: September 18th, 2021 by Conal McGarrity

Paralegal

Sarah Kirk

Sarah joined P.A. Duffy and Company in January 2023 where she works as a Paralegal in the Covid-19 Public Inquiry Team.

She graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 2020 with honours in International Politics and Conflict Studies and has recently graduated with a Master’s in Law from Queen’s University in 2022.

Sarah is an affable person who is passionate about enhancing the lives of others through her work. Previously she has acted as a tribunal representative, engaging in various community outreach programmes to represent and give a voice to those who otherwise would be unable to make themselves heard. Sarah is a strong orator selected on many occasions as a keynote speaker to discuss her determined commitment to inspiring resilience in others, most notably at the opening of The Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice at Queen’s University Belfast.

Sarah is also a compelling champion for the environment. She has worked to lobby key institutions such as the government and Queen’s University Belfast to declare a climate emergency. She has a special interest in human rights and environmental justice and completed her master’s thesis across these areas, specifically to present a critical examination to question the adequacy of International Humanitarian Law and its ability to protect the environment during armed conflict.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading with a particular interest in the history of art and restoration. She often likes to travel when the opportunity arises to visit famous museums and galleries around the world.

Sarah Kirk was last modified: March 11th, 2023 by Conal McGarrity

Paralegal

Rachael Hynds

Rachael joined PA Duffy Solicitors in February 2023 as a Paralegal on the Covid-19 Public Inquiry team.

Rachael graduated from Ulster University in 2020 with a 2:1 degree in Social Policy with Criminology, before moving to Liverpool to complete her LLM Qualifying Law degree with Liverpool John Moores University. Rachael has worked in law firms across the Liverpool City Region and Northern Ireland, gaining experience in both family law and property law.

Rachael is a warm, empathetic and approachable person, who wants to try and achieve the best outcomes for all clients. Outside of work, Rachael enjoys keeping fit and travelling when she can, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Rachael Hynds was last modified: March 11th, 2023 by Conal McGarrity

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    News & Insights was last modified: March 22nd, 2023 by Conal McGarrity