FF responds to report into Savita Halappanavar death

Responding to the publication of the report into the death of Savita Halappanavar, Fianna Fáil Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher said: “This report makes for very difficult reading. The findings are extremely serious and lessons must be learned from what happened in this case.

“While I welcome the publication of the report the manner in which this was conducted and the treatment of the Halappanavar family are extremely disappointing.

“Savita Halapanavar’s death was a tragedy but the pain endured by her husband and her family has been compounded by the lack of respect shown to them by the HSE. Despite assurances that the report into her death would be provided to the family in advance and in a timely manner this has not been done. Unfortunately the respect and support that the public would have expected to have been shown to the family has been completely lacking.

“The honesty and clarity of this report vindicts Fianna Fáil’s insistance that the investigation be independent.

“I welcome Minister Reilly’s decision to have this report referred to the Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Board and to call a meeting with the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology to discuss the serious findings in the report.

“We will also be asking the Government to provide time in the Dáil to discuss this report and its findings in detail, as a matter of priority.

“I want to again extend my deepest sympathies to Praveen Halappanavar and Savita’s family on their terrible loss.”