Minister announces Chairperson Brid O’Flaherty BL officially appointed
The minister of Health Stephen Donnelly has launched the Inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate in Ireland, following that the Minister announced the Chairperson Brid O’Flaherty BL now officially appointed by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on Wednesday the 26th of June 2024. OACS Ireland and families that could attend were in attendance at the launch.
OACS Ireland has successfully campaigned along with our colleagues in Epilepsy Ireland for an inquiry into Epilim (Sodium Valproate) for over a decade now. Within those years the HSE did a rapid assessment report in 2019 this was done by then deputy chief medical officer Ronan Glynn, which found 3,126 babies potentially exposed to sodium valproate in utero between 1975 and 2015. The 3,126 babies potentially exposed to Epilim Sodium Valproate) must be found.
We have now appointed Ciara Mc Philips
What we do know is that all families impacted by sodium valproate have endured considerable hurt, grief, and distress, which was foreseeable, preventable, and reportable; they are the families who have experienced the suffering of Epilim (Sodium Valproate) which continues to this day.
In his statement minister Donnelly said:
“Today marks a significant step for those who have for years spoken out as a voice for their loved ones, for those who cannot use their own voices as a result of FVSD.
“It was my privilege today to welcome advocates, patients and their families to the Department of Health and I want to warmly congratulate them on their tireless efforts to ensure that lessons are learned from their lived experience, for the benefit of patients and for future generations.
“I’m delighted to be able to honour the commitment I made to them when we first met, beginning with the appointment of the chair of the inquiry.
“I know Brid O’Flaherty will lead an independent and balanced process that rigorously examines the use of sodium valproate in Ireland, providing us with valuable information and insights to inform our next steps, and putting patients and families at the core of her consideration.”
We want to thank Minister Donnelly for his dedication on delivering this extremely important inquiry, including all TDs, Senators who supported the campaign for an inquiry over the many years. Including all organisations and individuals who supported us along the way to get to this stage.
Should you feel that you were on the medication and feel your child/children impacted please contact OACS Ireland and we will be able talk to you to inform you of your next step should you wish to take it: Email address: info.oacsireland@gmail.com
You can read more about the announcement of an inquiry by visiting the ‘News’ section on the Epilepsy Ireland website.
Rose Conway- Walsh welcome the Chair.
The announcement of a Chair being appointed was discussed recently in the Dáil. Long-time advocate for families impacted by Sodium Valproate, Deputy Rose Conway Walsh welcomed the inquiry while highlighting the contributions of OACS Ireland and Epilepsy Ireland which led to the inquiry being established – and acknowledging the commitment of Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly in delivering this inquiry for families affected. We would like to thank all TD’s and Senators who has supported us on our journey for the truth.
Action being taken’ on awareness of valproate risks in healthcare. “This inquiry will put all of that to rest. You have a right to the truth,” he said. The services available to those impacted will also be assessed, with the Minister acknowledging that families felt current provisions were insufficient for their needs. https://rb.gy/ulsihq
Link to the Ministers press release: gov – Minister for Health announces Chair of inquiry into
RTE: Ati-epilepsy drug inquiry to be set up ‘within weeks’
The Irish Times: Donnelly calls for redress scheme if inquiry into use of Epilim finds ‘systemic issues’
Irish Examiner: Families affected by Epilim want inquiry to tell them when risks were first known. https://rb.gy/ipcmb0
Irish Medical Times: Chair appointed to epilepsy drug inquiry – imt.ie
Please do NOT stop talking about your medication without first speaking to your health care professional.