‘Inquiry terms of reference presented as fait accompli to family’

The terms of reference of the inquiry into Savita Halappanavar’s death were effectively presented as a fait accompli to the family, according to their solicitor Gerard O’Donnell.

This was despite repeated reassurances that the family would be consulted in advance.

Last week, Health Minister James Reilly said the views of the family of the pregnant Indian woman — who died after she was refused an abortion — would be taken on board before the terms of a reference of an investigation into her death were finalised. Dr Reilly said this approach “would be normal in a case as serious as this”.