The contrast between the response to prisons and direct provision centres, both of which see vulnerable residents heavily reliant upon the state to make decisions in their best interest, is stark. Yet the conclusion from both situations reinforces the importance of effectively entrenching accountability and oversight methods not only in the practice of our government but also in the culture of those working within them. This needs to extend from the operation of the Oireachtas itself as an operational oversight mechanism through to the executive implementation of government policy. When Ireland eventually emerges from the health crisis and has time to reflect in detail on its response it will be essential that questions around accountability are centrally placed, and that lessons are embedded in normal practice.