Tánaiste Mary Harney today insisted the State had to ensure there was no repeat of the tragic death of a bed-ridden woman days after being found in "horrendous circumstances" in her daughter's home.
Evelyn Joel, who was in her late 50s and was believed to have been confined to bed as a result of arthritis and multiple sclerosis, was admitted to Wexford General Hospital on New Year's Day suffering from severe malnutrition. She died six days later weighing less than four stone.
The Tánaiste claimed there had been huge failings leading to the woman's death.
"It is absolutely tragic to read the reports of Evelyn Joel's death. Words cannot describe how one would feel in relation to the matter, and I think we obviously have to be sympathetic in relation to everyone's concerns here," she said.
"But above all else the State has to ensure that where possible we have vigorous processes in place to make sure that something like this could not happen again."
The Health Services Executive this evening announced that Dr Joe Duggan, a consultant from the Mater Hospital, would head its investigation into the case.
The other two members are Tom O'Dwyer, the former deputy chief executive of the Southern Health Board, and Marie Faughey, the former Director of Public Health Nursing in the Eastern Region.
The team will comprehensively review the services provided by the HSE to Ms Joel in the two years leading up to her death, and will have full access to all files and records.
The HSE said the team would deliver its recommendations according to its own timeframe but added that the report would be completed at the earliest possible opportunity.
Gardaí are examining the possibility that she was a victim of neglect.
It is not clear at this stage whether Mrs Joel was known to public health officials.
PA