Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to contribute on this sensitive motion. I join with my colleagues in the Chamber in extending my deep sympathy to the family of Savita Halappanavar. What happened to Ms Halappanavar was a dreadful tragedy and a huge loss for her husband and their family. Answers as to why this happened are required and it is important that the inquiry announced this week gets under way as soon as possible. I hope that it also reports as soon as possible. It is what the Halappanavar family deserves.

I welcome the fact that the report of the expert group will be published next Tuesday. This move is the correct one. I have always agreed with the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach that the report should be published and that we must wait to see what recommendations are contained therein. For this reason, I cannot support tonight's motion. Until the investigation into the reasons for Ms Halappanavar's death is concluded, it behoves Members on all sides of the House not to apportion blame or to jump to conclusions. Instead, we must wait for the facts of the case to be presented to us. I regret that Mr. Praveen Halappanavar does not have confidence in the HSE inquiry instituted into her death. I recognise fully his concerns that colleagues of those who were responsible for her care in Galway University Hospital should not be involved in the inquiry. I welcome the fact that this matter has been addressed via the replacement of three Galway-based consultants on the inquiry team.

The Government is seeking to establish what will be an objective, fair and timely inquiry into the matter. It is imperative that the facts of this case be ascertained quickly and that the findings made available as quickly as possible. A public inquiry would not be the best or most prudent method of conducting such an investigation. Given the length of time taken to get to the nub of issues in the various tribunals, a public inquiry could slow the process significantly and descend it into interminable legal wrangling.

As legislators, something must be done on this issue, but it is important that we wait to get all of the evidence before taking the next step. We are all aware that abortion is a divisive issue for political parties, work colleagues and families. However, this should not take from the fact that action may need to be taken, largely because of a failure of successive Governments to face up to this issue for the past 20 years.

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