Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister's reference to the Moriarty tribunal is hardly an appropriate analogy. People across Ireland and, no doubt by now, across the world have been moved by the calm, dignified yet powerful testimony of Praveen Halappanavar on the "Prime Time" programme last night. He told us directly of the terrible ordeal to which his wife Savita had been subjected. It was an ordeal - make no mistake about it - that no other woman should ever have to face on these shores. Despite all that he has been through, he still told us he loved Ireland. Above all, he made it very clear that he and his family have no confidence in a HSE inquiry. We need to listen to what he has told us and we need to be very clear about this.

What efforts were employed by the Minister for Health, his Department, the HSE or An Taoiseach to make direct contact with Praveen Halappanavar prior to the announcement of the inquiry or since? I attended the Committee on Health and Children on Tuesday when the director designate of the HSE, Mr. Tony O'Brien, appealed to the media present to use their good offices to inform Mr. Halappanavar that he would welcome contact from him. This is totally inappropriate. Yesterday, the Taoiseach used the opportunity here in the Dáil Chamber to communicate with Praveen and his family. I would like to know if any serious efforts have been employed and if any offer has been extended for An Taoiseach to meet Praveen Halappanavar directly. I believe that should happen and I have urged that in the course of today's "Morning Ireland" programme.

Will this effort now be undertaken by the Government? Will An Taoiseach make that direct approach to Mr. Halappanavar and sit down with him to address the issues concerned? Will the Government accept that we are in an impossible situation here if this inquiry is to have any credibility and is to be able to carry out its functions? Part of its functions must be to restore public confidence and, above all, the confidence of the women of Ireland. I urge that a full independent inquiry be undertaken.

See this speech in context