Yesterday I wrote a diary with my emails to Irish government officials about the tremendous violation of human rights that occurred under their watch: the preventable death of Savita Halappanavar.
I sent emails to the 3 relevant Irish government officials and to a bunch of the government tourism bureau offices:
http://www.dailykos.com/...
This morning I got a reply from an aide to Eamon Gilmore, Deputy Prime Minister (known in Ireland as the Tánaiste). My understanding is that he is from the Labour Party which is more sympathetic to changing the law but is not, unfortunately, the party now in power. Here's what I received:
Thank you very much for your email with regard to the case of Savita Halappanavar. I will bring your correspondence to the attention of the Tanaiste.
This matter was raised with the Tanaiste at Leaders Questions in the Dail yesterday.
He said "I want to take this opportunity to express my own deepest sympathy to the family of Savita Halappanavar. This is an appalling loss, which I think has rightly touched the hearts of all of the Irish people. It is, of course, true to say that we do not yet know the full circumstances of what happened, but anybody who listened to Savita's husband yesterday has to be deeply concerned by his very dignified and moving account of what happened to Savita.
This is one of those issues where we are all reminded of our duty as legislators. It is not a moment for shrill voices. It is a moment for respect, first of all, for a grieving family, for dignified discussion and for determined action.
I do not think we, as a country, should allow a situation where women’s lives are put at risk in this way. We must deal with the issue and bring legal clarity to it…. There have been six Governments in this State since the Supreme Court judgment in 1992 and they have not dealt with it. This will not be the seventh. “
You can view his speech here - http://www.youtube.com/...
The Tánaiste’s strong statement has been picked up across a range of media outlets. A selection is included below.
Best wishes
Doreen Foley PA to
Eamon Gilmore TD
Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade
I watched some of the discussion in the Dáil Éireann (parliament -- lower house and principal chamber) using the link in the above email. They're all so polite as they talk about the unconscionable treatment of Savita.
While Mr. Gilmore (the Tánaiste) certainly seems to be calling for some resolution on this, they don't seem to understand that every day they delay there is a chance of some other poor woman suffering Savita's fate.
Apparently they've sat on their hands for 20 years. I have little faith that they will take the action needed now.
Please -- anyone who's interested, send letters and emails. If you go to my original diary, there are email addresses and names after the squiggle.