I welcome the decision of the Minister for Health to replace the three consultants from Galway University Hospital from the inquiry team charged with examining the circumstances surrounding the death of that pregnant mother in Galway, which was very regrettable. I am not sure about a public inquiry but there needs to be an alternative inquiry. I have some concerns regarding information relating to the chairman of the inquiry team which has come into the public domain in the past 18 hours or so. I understand that the chairman is a very well-qualified individual.

The chairman of the inquiry team is readily identifiable and I ask the Senator to refrain from referring to him.

It is highly inappropriate that an inquiry of this nature would be undertaken by anybody who is on the public record as having pro-abortion views. That fact is a matter of public record.

That is completely out of order.

I will deal exclusively with what is on the public record.

The Senator is ignoring the Chair and that is completely out of order.

No, I am not.

Does the Senator have a question for the Acting Leader?

Yes. I ask that the Acting Leader arrange for the Minister for Health to come before the House. The Minister gave a commitment to Deputy Wallace in the Dáil - I accept that he has modified his language in the interim - in respect of what he intends to do with regard to abortion. This is a highly sensitive issue and it must be dealt with in a fair and reasonable way. Many Senators have called for a very measured approach to be taken by all sides in respect of this very emotive issue. Anything which might skew the position or set the inquiry up in a particular way beforehand is wrong.

Does the Senator have a question for the Acting Leader?

I have previously referred to some of the appointments to the expert group. I also referred to the selection and appointment of the CEO of the HSE.

The Senator is over time.

All of these developments are leading us in a particular direction. I am seeking that the Minister come before the House in order that we might engage in a fair, open and honest debate with regard to what is happening and whether attempts are being made by means of subterfuge to try to introduce something which is against the will of the majority of the Irish people.

That is completely out of order.

I do not believe that to be the case.

It is an outrageous claim.

No, I do not believe it to be so. It is factual.