Conor Murphy, a former finance minister and currently the Economy Minister, has been excused from testifying at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry on medical grounds following advice for rest after further medical treatment. His absence was announced during the public hearings last week, and it was later confirmed that he would be stepping aside from his ministerial role temporarily. Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill stated that former Executive minister Deirdre Hargey would replace him on an interim basis.
The Inquiry's lead counsel, Clair Dobbins KC, conveyed this update, mentioning that Murphy's witness statement would be published on the Inquiry's website post-hearing. The possibility of Murphy needing to testify at a future date remains open, as stated by the Inquiry chair, Baroness Hallett. Additionally, it was noted that former Police Service of Northern Ireland assistant chief constable Alan Todd is scheduled to give evidence at the inquiry.