Ireland has assured that the probe into the death of Savita Halappanavar, after allegedly being denied an abortion, will be completed at an early date, and that the Irish authorities will work closely with the Indian embassy.
The assurance was conveyed by Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore to Indian ambassador to Ireland Debashish Chakravarti on Friday evening in Dublin.
Official sources said the Irish minister indicated that his government was “sensitive to the impact of the tragedy on public opinion and civil society”.
Gilmore assured that the investigation will be completed “at an early date” and that the Irish side will work closely with the Indian mission and cooperate “on all aspects”.
The Indian envoy reiterated India’s desire that an “independent enquiry be conducted into the matter and requested to be kept updated about progress”. He also conveyed India’s “deep concern” and expressed hope that “steps would be taken so as not to allow such an incident to recur”.
In response, Gilmore assured that the enquiry being conducted by the Health Services Executive would be assisted by an independent medical professional.
The Irish government has still not announced the terms of reference for the probe panel, as well as, its members.
After the case came to light in Irish media, there has been huge outrage in both Ireland and India, with protest marches and candlelight vigils held in Savita’s memory.
There has also been calls within Ireland for clarification on the legal issues around abortion, which is an emotive issue in the Catholic-majority nation.