Burton discussed case of pregnant woman on life support with Varadkar and Kenny

Tánaiste Joan Burton discussed the case of the pregnant woman on life support with Minister for Health Leo Varadkar and Taoiseach Enda Kenny before it became public.

Ms Burton said she was “aware of the case since late on Sunday when I received a phone call from the Minister for Health who advised me in fairly sketchy terms – I think that was as much information as he had – about the very tragic circumstances of the case”.

She told the Dáil she subsequently had a conversation with the Taoiseach on Wednesday morning, but there was no Cabinet discussion.

Ms Burton was responding to Fianna Fáil's Dara Calleary during Leaders' Questions, who asked if the case was discussed by the Cabinet.

The Tánaiste said it was her understanding that the family were seeking to take a case so she could not comment in any detail on the legal action.

“It is for her family and loved ones to decide how they would like their daughter to be treated and I understand they will be taking court proceedings early next week.”

Ms Burton expressed her sympathy for the woman’s family. “It is a terrible tragedy to visit a family and I sympathise with them.”

Mr Calleary, who described the circumstances as a “most appalling situation for the woman, her baby and her family”, said this case should not be used by any side to move a political view forward.

Ms Burton said she understood “that the foetus is at a relatively early stage of the pregnancy and doctors sought to give the woman and her baby the maximum amount of care and attention”.