Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Every effort will be made by the Government to do everything we can to support Savita's husband in his understandable and deep grief. We heard him speak last night. I do not think anybody who heard him speak could fail to be moved by what he said. The Deputy acknowledged himself, however, that the hospital and the HSE must know what happened in order that they can ensure immediately there are no further risks to the lives of women in hospital. As well as supporting her grieving family, that is also something that is owed to the women of Ireland and they want it. The Deputy may disagree but for the safety of women in hospital during pregnancy, delivery and in the unfortunate event of a miscarriage, which happens at an early stage in a high proportion of pregnancies, it is most important we give reassurance to the women of Ireland, as well as their families, friends and partners, that they are as safe as possible in our hospitals. That is one of the focuses of what the Government is doing, as well as assisting the family and husband of Savita as well as we can. All options are open.

The Deputy is speaking about a commission of inquiry but can I caution that this Chamber should not rush down the legal adversarial road at this point. When Mr. Justice Michael Moriarty first started work on his tribunal, he said it would be finished within 12 months. In fact, it took almost 13 years.

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