The Irish Inquiry into the Historical use of Sodium Valproate (Epilim) is live!

We are pleased to finally announce, that the Irish inquiry into the Historical use of Sodium Valproate (Epilim) is now ready to formally commence.

Significant progress has been made in recent days regarding the Inquiry into Sodium Valproate (Epilim) in Ireland. Members of OACS Ireland and Ciara McPhillips from Micheal Boylan Litigation Law Firm met with the Minister for Health, Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (“the Minister”) and staff from the Department of Health on Monday last, 14 July 2025.

At the meeting, the Minister advised that the Data Regulations, which you will recall were causing the delay to the commencement of the Inquiry, would go before the Dáil on Tuesday, 15 July 2025 and the Seanad on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. We were advised that the once Regulations were passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas, (the Dáil and the Seanad) they would then be signed into law by the Minister.

We can confirm that the Data Regulations were formally signed in writing by the Minister on Monday 21 July 2025.

Now the Regulations are signed, we now understand that the Inquiry will formally commence from today, i.e., the 22 July 2025. The commencement of the Inquiry, albeit much delayed, will be a tremendous and significant milestone for OACS Ireland, its members and the persons that have been affected by Sodium Valproate (Epilim).

We have been reassured by the Department of Health that the completion of the inquiry remains a matter of priority for the Minister and the Chair of the Inquiry. The Department will continue to work with the Chair so that all the necessary supports are in place to ensure the inquiry continues and delivers on its terms of reference.

The real work starts today!

The first step will be known as Phase 1. Ciara McPhillips, Kevin O’Keeffe, the team at Michael Boylan Litigation Law Firm and OACS Ireland have been working on a written submission to the Inquiry and this will be finalised. We would like to thank all of our members who have taken the time share their experiences so far. It has been very worthwhile.

Important note for families: If you have not already contacted Ciara or Kevin so that your experience can be considered for the written Submission, please do so.  Once the Submission and all the documentation we have pulled together over the years is delivered to the Chair, oral hearings will commence, probably later this year. This will be with OACS as an organisation and other stakeholders.

The second step will be known as Phase 2, where the Chair will meet families and those impacted on an individual basis so that she can hear how Sodium Valproate (Epilim) has impacted the lives of so many throughout the history of its use in Ireland.  We will provide more details in this regard as soon as we have them.

The Inquiry will draw a spotlight on a public health issue which whilst life changing, is perhaps not as well known or understood by the public as other public health issues.

The Inquiry will aim to establish who knew what and when about the medication and at what point earlier action ought to have been taken to warn women of the risks to their children who were exposed to the medication during pregnancy.

The Inquiry will also consider the supports needed and the services available to those impacted and make any other recommendations considered by the Chair to support those with a diagnosis of FVSD.

In the meantime, there will also be a chance to meet the Senior Clinical Psychologist, Jo Campion who has been appointed by the Chair to assist with the Inquiry to guide and support those who wish to share their experiences. We will provide further information and details in this regard, as soon as possible.

Members of the OACS Ireland Executive Committee have already met with Jo Campion to inform and help her best understand the general issues faced by members. The Executive Committee found this to be an extremely positive and worthwhile meeting. We are hopeful that Jo Campion will be a great resource and source of support throughout the Inquiry. We are excited for everyone else to meet her.

The commencement of the Inquiry is only a signpost on what is and what will be a long road. However, it is a significant event and a positive step in the right direction. We will continue to work to ensure the Inquiry and the recommendations arising from same are as beneficial as possible for all members of OACS and those affected by Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder.

The Sodium Valproate Inquiry website is now live: www.sodiumvalproateinquiry.ie  

Contact details for OACS Ireland Email: info.oacsireland@gmail.com

Important Note: Please do NOT stop taking your medication without consultation from your Healthcare professional.