Green MEP Ms Patricia McKenna has called for the resignation of the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, following the latest difficulties over maternity services in Co Monaghan.
A native of Monaghan, Ms McKenna said the blame for the tragedy in which a premature baby died rested solely with the Government, and the Minister should resign immediately since his policy had led to shortcomings in hospital services.
"It's completely appalling what has happened," Ms McKenna said. "If this happened in any other European country the minister concerned would already have resigned.
"It still comes back to the Minister to ensure funds are utilised in the proper way by the health boards. This was an accident waiting to happen," she said last night.
She added that Monaghan had far more facilities years ago, with a nursing home and fully functional hospital even when home births were the norm.
"It's not just Monaghan - this is happening right across the country," she added.
She said it was ridiculous that people had to travel to Cavan in emergency situations and it was "completely unfair" to the surrounding towns which used to be facilitated by Monaghan General Hospital.
"A woman is grieving over a dead child when she doesn't have to be," she said. "They have discouraged home births and successive governments have all downgraded Monaghan General Hospital. This goes way back."
Meanwhile, Independent TD Mr Paudge Connolly, who was elected on the Monaghan Hospital issue, called for Mr Martin to intervene in the North Eastern Health Board in the same way he intervened in the Western Health Board during his previous term of office.
"The health board executives should be asked to give account of their stewardship," said Mr Connolly last night.
He added that the Minister for Health would be "better served by calling in all executives, especially those responsible for acute services, and asking some hard questions".