Minister for Health Simon Harris has ordered an examination of the internal Holles Street hospital report into the death of Malak Thawley and the coroner's report into the case.
In a letter this evening to lawyers for her husband, Alan Thawley, the minister said he is carefully considering Mr Thawley's call for an independent external review.
He says that when these reports are to hand, he will be in a position to make a decision.
The issue was expected to be raised this evening in the Dáil during Topical Questions.
Malak Thawley died in theatre at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, in May 2016 during surgery after she was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy seven weeks into her pregnancy.
The hospital has admitted liability in the case and has acknowledged what it says is the terrible loss, pain and grief suffered by Mr Thawley.
The recent inquest recorded a verdict of medical misadventure.
Mr Thawley called for an independent inquiry earlier this month in an interview with RTÉ News after which the minister said he would reflect on the matter.
Lawyers for Mr Thawley said this evening they want a meeting with the minister, before they can consider or agree to any other meetings which have been proposed by Mr Harris in his latest correspondence.
The minister says he has asked the newly-established National Women & Infant's Programme to look at the hospital report and the coroner's report.
He has asked for a view as to the appropriateness of the clinical reviews which have taken place to date.
A senior HSE Director of Quality Assurance has also been asked to examine how the National Maternity Hospital conducted the investigation into Mrs Thawley's death.
The minister says he wants to be assured that the review methodology was appropriate and that the review was undertaken in line with best practice.
Pending receipt of these reports, he has suggested Mr Thawley meet with members of the National Women & Infant's Programme, including Dr Peter McKenna, the clinical leader of the programme and former master of the Rotunda.
However, Mr Thawley's lawyers say they are not prepared to be "fobbed off" to anyone, including highly respected experts and a meeting with the minister is not negotiable.
