Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Martin made the case. I believe it is in everybody's interest that the chairman of the investigation team should have a meeting with the husband of the deceased woman. I do not think there is anything wrong with this and the meeting should take place without any prejudice to Mr. Halappanavar. I do not suggest any manipulation. If I were to meet Praveen Halappanavar privately, I am quite sure somebody would ask what I said to him and ask what the discussion was about. The instruction from his legal team was that communication must be made through the HSE. This is legal advice given to him. I make no apology for saying I think a meeting without prejudice could take place. Deputy Martin has changed his tune because in his interview he called for an independent inquiry from his experience as a former Minister for Health. He stated he would have preferred a three member independent panel outside the HSE which would call witnesses, access the records and conduct an independent inquiry. He stated that we know from previous experience inquiries can vary between independent panel inquiries and internal inquiries.

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