The people of Ireland have paid tribute to Savita Halappanavar with thousands attending vigils across the country.

The Indian dentist died from septicaemia on October 28 in Galway University Hospital after the hospital refused to terminate her pregnancy.

Tributes were paid to the 31-year-old at a series of gatherings as participants demanded action on abortion by the Irish government.

Crowds in Dublin chanted ‘shame’ and ‘the world is watching.'

Halappanavar lost her life after she was found to be miscarrying at 17 weeks having gone to hospital complaining with back pain.

Police reported that thousands marched from the Garden of Remembrance to the Irish parliament in Dublin.

Vigils were also held in Cork and Galway and in towns and villages throughout the country.

Savta’s husband Praveen claimed she asked several times over a three-day period for the pregnancy to be terminated but was refused.

Savita’s death has prompted a public outcry. Pressure is mounting on the Irish Government to legislate for abortion.

Minister for Health James Reilly has confirmed that the Irish Health Services Executive will hold an inquiry into the tragedy.

Reilly is also to bring report to the Cabinet this week by an expert group on abortion.

The group was set up to help the Government respond to a European Court of Human Rights call for reform of Ireland’s complex pregnancy termination laws.

Irish police are assisting the Coroner’s investigation into Mrs Halappanavar’s death.