Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is imperative that we hear from the Minister for Health on the inquiry into the death of the late Savita Halappanavar. I have been extremely careful in my utterances in recent days but there are two core principles that we need to discuss with the Minister. The first is the need for independence. Whether the inquiry is public or sworn, the HSE will be seen to have a horse in the race and no HSE employees should be conducting this inquiry. They should be witnesses to it. Perceived independence is vital and that is why the three Galway consultants stood back.

The second issue relates to the chair of the inquiry, which I have already raised with great caution. More information has come to light which suggests to me that this is not a fit person. Competence academically and professionally is one thing but even in the past few years this gentleman has written about late termination of pregnancy, has talked about-----