The British government has announced the establishment of an independent inquiry has into the deaths in hospital of three children in the North.
It has been alleged that all died needlessly from a condition known as hyponatraemia - a shortage of sodium in the body - and that the death of one of the children was covered up.
Northern Ireland Health Minister Angela Smith MP announced she had appointed leading QC John O'Hara to conduct an inquiry into the issues raised by the recent UTV Insight programme, When Hospital Kills.
The minister said it was very important the public had confidence in the health service and in the standards of performance of all who worked in it.
"This television programme has raised a number of serious issues and allegations which need to be investigated," said Ms Smith.
"The death of a child is tragic and is something which my Department takes very seriously."
Earlier today, Ms Smith contacted the parents of the children, Lucy Crawford, Raychel Ferguson and Adam Strain, to tell them she was setting up the inquiry and to assure them it would be a "fully independent investigation".
Her announcement was welcomed by Sinn Féin spokesman, Assembly member John O'Dowd.
He said he had contacted the Minister after the TV programme to urge she set up an inquiry.
"That the three children's deaths from hyponatraemia could have been avoided remains a source of major concern and worry.
"I am sure that many people will want to see all the facts surrounding these cases properly investigated," he said.
The inquiry was needed "to ensure that mistakes which may have been made are not repeated".
It was essential the inquiry dealt with all the circumstances leading to the deaths and also investigated allegations of a cover up, said Mr O'Dowd.
Hyponatraemia is a severe shortage of sodium which can be due to dilution of blood, excessive water retention or other factors.