As vigils get underway in Galway, Sligo, Dublin and number of other locations – to commemorate Savita Halappanavar and call for action after her death - the HSE says it has been in contact with legal representatives of her husband about the inquiry that is being carried out into her death.

31 year-old Savita died at University College Hospital last month after a miscarriage. Her family claim that she repeatedly asked for a medical termination.

This morning, a spokesperson for the HSE said that a letter of condolence was sent to Mr Halappanavar in the days after his wife's death.

It also says it has been in touch with Mr Halappanavar’s  lawyers in Ireland in recent days.

Also, in a statement issued this afternoon, the Gardaí said they were assisting the Coroner in relation to Mrs Halappanavar's death.

A spokesman for the force said this was "standard procedure in the case of a sudden death."

Despite a promise by Minister for Health James Reilly that the investigation would be expedited, the HSE was last night unable to name the members of the inquiry team or provide terms of reference. A spokesperson said both would be made public in the coming days.

Separately, Dr Reilly is to bring a report to Cabinet next week by an expert group on abortion.

Thousands are expected to attend vigils in Galway, Sligo, Dublin, Carlow and Kilkenny this afternoon and evening.