Sinn Fein MLA launches scathing attack on CMO Dr Michael McBride and CSA Professor Ian Young

Mr. Sheehan made the remarks during a meeting of the Stormont Health Committee on Thursday morning.

“Until we have a strategic vision for how we approach this pandemic we are going to be condemned to this situation again and again,” said Mr. Sheehan who is a member of the Stormont Health Committee.

“It’s the responsibility of the health department and in particular the CMO (Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael McBride) and CSA (Chief Scientific Advisor Professor Ian Young) to bring forward a proper strategy for dealing with this pandemic and so far they haven’t done so.”

Mr. Sheehan added:“If the CMO and CSA cannot bring forward a proper strategy based on international best practice we are just going to be sitting here in the months ahead doing the same thing over and over again.”

DUP MLA and Health Committee member, Pam Cameron said: “When Pat Sheehan is pointing the finger he should remember there will be at least three pointing back at him given his attendance at the Bobby Storey funeral.

“Leaders in government, and that includes us, need to be responsible for their actions and I think Pat should be cognisant of that.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health responded: “The pandemic has brought severe challenges across all sectors of society and consequently across all parts of Government.

“A joined up Executive approach has therefore been a priority throughout this year.

“This has been reflected in a series of initiatives over the course of the pandemic.

“Examples include the publication of the Executive approach to decision making on Covid-19, in May. More recently, the First and deputy First Minister announced the establishment of an Executive Covid-19 task force.”

The departmental spokesperson continued: “Initiatives like these underline the recognition by all Ministers that pandemic planning is a collective Executive responsibility, rather than being the responsibility of a single department.

“In the meantime the Department are not going to be distracted or diverted from doing their best for the people of Northern Ireland.

“This is a time when everyone should be pulling together to get each other and our health service through the winter.

“The focus must remain on doing all we can collectively and individually.”