Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Last week after the tragic and sudden death of Savita Halappanavar, the Minister for Health announced that there would be an inquiry. In this House, I called for a truly independent inquiry to be established. Such a tragic and sudden death deserves an exceptional response, given the rarity of such deaths in Irish hospitals. The inquiry's independence was to ensure objectivity and confidence. The Minister's phrase was that such an inquiry would stand up to the "scrutiny of the world". Not only would it be done, but it would be seen to be done.

If we are to believe media reports, it appears that there was little consultation with the family in the first two weeks. Within hours of the announcement of the inquiry, questions were asked. Many people were surprised that three staff members of Galway hospital would be on the inquiry team. Savita's husband, Praveen, has objected to the nature and composition of the inquiry team and is withdrawing his co-operation.

This does not reflect well on the Government's response to date. The case deserves an exceptional response, one that is better than the response made so far. Given what we have learned since the inquiry's announcement and the fact that three staff members of the hospital where Praveen Halappanavar's wife and baby died will be on the team, it cannot be said to be independent and one can understand the reasonable position that he has adopted.

Will the Taoiseach outline to the House the consultation that has taken place between him, the Minister or the Tánaiste and Praveen Halappanavar and his wider family? Does the Taoiseach accept that the inquiry team as announced by the Government should be changed? Will he indicate whether the Government will change its position and establish a truly independent inquiry team, one that will win the confidence of the Halappanavar family and the wider public?

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