Simon Harris has announced there will be an official State inquiry into the tragic death of Marie Downey and her son, Darragh.
Ms Downey dropped dead suddenly in Cork University Hospital earlier this week, with her young son also fatally injured in the collapse.
It was a tragic accident, but the Minister for Health, Mr Harris, has promised an inquiry will be carried out to get to the bottom of it in any case.
It is believed that Ms Downey may have suffered a seizure while feeding her son Darragh.
Tragic Irish mum Marie Downey will be laid to rest with baby son Darragh in her arms
She is understood to have suffered from epilepsy.
Mr Harris extended his sympathies to the grieving relatives of Darragh and Marie.
“This is an extraordinary tragedy.
“It is so upsetting and devastating to have a mother and her son pass away in one of our hospitals.”
According to the death notice, Marie is “deeply mourned by her heartbroken husband Kieran, her adored sons and Darragh’s big brothers James and Sean, dearly loved Daughter of Jim and Helen, parents-in-law Tom and Elma, brother-in-law Patrick, sisters-in-law, Una, Fiona, Ellen and Mairead, aunts, uncles, relatives, neighbours and many friends.”
Her removal to St Michael’s Church, Ballyagran, Co Limerick, takes place at requiem mass at 1pm on Saturday, with burial afterwards in Castletown Cemetery.
Darragh is expected to be buried with his mother.
