Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There are two important issues here. The first is whatever comfort and support this State and the Government can offer to Mr. Halappanavar and his family. The second is his dignity, his willingness to speak despite his appalling grief, the way he expressed himself and his courteous references to Ireland and Irish institutions.

He is to be commended on all that and he appears to be a deeply courteous man. In fairness, when news of this was first broadcast in the media, there was an expression that communication was to be via his legal adviser, who has conducted a number of interviews setting out the position in respect of his client. I assure the Deputy that every effort and every appropriate response will be made by the Government in respect of any way in which Mr. Halappanavar and his family can be supported. However, as I believe the Deputy will agree, when a death occurs in a hospital that requires investigation and inquiry, the reason such an inquiry takes place is from a health and safety perspective to ensure that no unsafe practices have occurred that would put further patients at risk. This is the general approach in this matter. Taking into account the sensitivities of the matter, not simply for the family and husband of the bereaved, but for many people in this country, particularly women, the Government appointed an internationally renowned expert and a panel of experts. In addition, I note the statement from the former and much renowned Master of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dr. Boylan, supporting an inquiry which would be held expeditiously and quickly. My understanding is the ambition for the inquiry that is under way is that it would be completed on a preliminary basis before Christmas.

At this point, I would exercise caution about entering a longer vista. There are provisions for ministerial inquiries. This has happened under previous Governments and already has happened under the current Administration. However, with regard to the health and safety aspects of the management of hospitals, it is my sincere view that one needs to find out quite quickly, to ensure there is no endangerment of any woman or her child arising from practices in our maternity hospitals. Incidentally, this does not preclude further detailed inquiries but in respect of hospital incidents, I believe establishing the facts and the health and safety considerations as quickly as possible to be paramount. In addition to seeking to do this, the Government has appointed renowned independent experts to carry out this particular inquiry as expeditiously as possible. It does not rule out anything else.

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