It has emerged the Health Minister has spoken to Praveen Halappanavar in the wake of the leaking of a draft report of the investigation into the death of his wife Savita.

In the Dáil this morning the Public Expenditure Minister described the leak as shameful, unacceptable and hurtful.

There were concerns that legal challenges could delay or prevent the publication of the report into her death.

Details of the report were leaked in the Evening Herald yesterday.

Draft report showed medical failures

The draft report found staff at University Hospital Galway should have considered a potentially life-saving abortion for Savita even before the couple had requested it.

The findings also conclude that staff at the hospital should have considered a potentially life-saving abortion for Savita days before her death.

Brendan Howlin has faced calls from Sinn Féin for a copy of the report to be given to Mr. Halappanavar immediately.

But he says the investigation must be allowed complete its work.