Mr Halappanavar refuses Taoiseach’s request

The husband of Savita Halappanavar has rejected a request from Taoiseach Enda Kenny to meet the chairman of the inquiry into his wife’s death.
An international storm has surrounding the death of the 31-year-old Indian woman who died from septicaemia after suffering a miscarriage in University College Hospital, Galway on October 28.
Taooiseach Enda Kenny appealed publicly to Mrs Halappanavar’s widower to meet Professor Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran during Leader’s Questions in the Dáil today.
However, speaking on a special edition of Prime Time broadcast on Wednesday night, Praveen Halappanavar repeated his demand for a full public inquiry, saying that he had no confidence in the HSE.
He also told the programme he will not meet the inquiry chairman.
“With due respect to the head of the inquiry and the Taoiseach, we won’t partake in the inquiry by the HSE,” he said. “We want a public inquiry.”
Earlier on Wednesday morning, the Taoiseach said, “I think it’s in everybody’s interests, taking into account the sensitivity of what is under investigation here and trying to find out the truth, that he should be allowed to have a meeting.”
The HSE has confirmed that three new experts will join the investigation team to replace GUH consultants, who were asked to step aside.
The new members are Professor James Walker, professor and honorary consultant of obstetrics and gynaecology in St James’ University Hospital in Leeds, UK; Dr Brian Marsh, consultant in intensive care medicine, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and immediate past-dean, joint Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine of Ireland and Professor Mary Horgan, consultant physician in Cork University Hospital and professor in the School of Medicine, University College Cork.
“The investigation team will carry out a thorough, methodical and fair investigation that will seek to establish the facts and to identify any causal or contributory factors that may have influenced the death of Mrs Halappanavar.
“The HSE is keen that Mr Halappanavar will now engage with the Investigation Team in order to complete this investigation as expeditiously as possible. The chairman remains open to meeting with Mr Halappanavar,” the HSE stated.