President Michael D Higgins has intervened in the continuing row over the inquiry into the death of Savita Halappanavar, saying the inquiry must meet the needs of her family as well as those of the State.

President Higgins’ comments, carried in the Irish Times this morning, will increase the pressure on the Government to recast the investigation, in response to continuing opposition from her husband Praveen.

However, Government sources continued to insist last night that the HSE-commissioned inquiry announced  this week would go ahead as planned.

This is in spite of Mr Halappanavar’s refusal to co-operate and a threat of legal challenge by his lawyers if his wife’s medical records are made available to the inquiry team.

Minister James Reilly is to seek an interim report from the investigation team before Christmas and then to decide what further action is needed.

The HSE yesterday published the terms of reference of its inquiry and named three new members, two Irish and one from England, of the inquiry team. These replaced the Galway-based consultants who stepped aside in an unsuccessful attempt to meet the objections of Mr Halappanavar.

The report to be compiled by the team will not identify staff members involved in the treatment of Ms Halappanavar or any other names, according to the terms of reference.

Meanwhile, the government comfortably defeated a Sinn Féin motion last night calling for legislation on abortion to protect the life of a woman.