Reilly urged to scrap inquiry

Health Minister James Reilly has been urged to scrap the existing HSE inquiry into Savita Halappanavar’s death by asking the Health Information Quality Authority to take over its control.

In a letter sent to the senior cabinet official by the Irish Patients’ Association, seen by the Irish Examiner, the group has argued that the independent State watchdog must be put in charge if any inquiry compromise can be reached.

The correspondence — which was also received by Gerard O’Donnell, the solicitor for Savita’s husband — said the lack of trust among Savita’s family in the HSE was apparent to everyone involved. As such, IPA chair Stephen McMahon said involving HIQA may be the only option available outside of a lengthy, drawn out tribunal-type investigation.