Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I would like to extend our sympathy to Praveen Halappanavar on the death of his wife, Savita. This is a case of maternal death in which a child has been lost, a mother has died and a husband is bereaved. That is a tragedy.

It is true that we have exemplary standards in our maternity hospitals. The fact that this young woman lost her life is a personal and family tragedy. No words of ours here can deal with that loss. It is appropriate that we do not rule anything out, but there are two investigations going on: the internal investigation by the Galway-Roscommon university hospital group, and a second by the HSE national incident management team. It would be appropriate for the Minister for Health to receive both of these reports, and that we then consider them and decide on the best option. It is important and imperative that the standards that apply in our maternity units are kept at the highest level of professionalism and competence. For that reason, I do not rule anything out. However, it is only appropriate that the two investigations being conducted be allowed to conclude, that the Minister for Health receive those reports and that we consider them at that point.

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