The Latest News from OACS Ireland
Submission Delivery to the Sodium Valproate Inquiry
The submission on behalf of OACS Ireland has now been hand delivered to the offices of the Sodium Valproate Inquiry, located at 7-8 Mount Street Upper, Dublin 2. This formal delivery took place at 11:00 am on Monday morning, 15…
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Jo Campion Unites Mothers Affected by Sodium Valproate
OACS Ireland and their members recently attended it’s second meeting with Jo Campion, Clinical Psychologist, which served as a gathering for mothers and families impacted by valproate exposure. The purpose of the session was to provide a space where participants could openly share their experiences, challenges, and wants for the future.
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Jo Campion – Senior Clinical Psychologist to support and assist families partaking in the Sodium Valproate Inquiry.
The Chair of the Sodium Valproate Inquiry has appointed Jo Campion – Senior Clinical Psychologist to support and assist families partaking in the Inquiry. The upcoming meeting will commence with a smooth registration process, during which attendees can enjoy a…
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‘It was meant to help my epilepsy but it destroyed my family’ – parents hope long-awaited inquiry will finally provide answers
Amy Molloy 23rd July 2025. Irish Independent Newspaper OACS Ireland are grateful to the Irish Independent Newspaper and to all journalists who have helped us highlight our cause! Families affected by an anti-epilepsy drug that can cause serious birth defects…
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Sodium valproate inquiry begins after two-year wait
By Michael McHale 22nd July 2025 The Government’s intention to run a non-statutory review of the epilepsy drug was first announced in July 2023 More than one year after its chair was appointed, the Minister for Health has today announced the commencement…
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Minister for Health welcomes the commencement of Sodium Valproate Inquiry
Press release Minister for Health welcomes the commencement of Sodium Valproate Inquiry From: Department of Health Published on: 22 July 2025 Last updated on: 22 July 2025 Review Phase Personal Statements Health Service Capacity More information Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll…
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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…
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Question raised by Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh on the 26th of June 2025 at the Dail.
Transcript of the Question raised by Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh on the 26th of June 2025 at the Dail. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh: Today marks a full year since the announcement of the appointment of Ms Bríd O’Flaherty as chairperson of the…
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Becci’s Story: 5 Years Since Cumberlege – Still No Redress
“#Families need to heal” #valproate#harm#viaralvideo yet Ireland are waiting for the Irish Inquiry into Sodium Valproate to commence. Absolutely shocking. With thanks to Epilepsy Action for highlighting the 5 year anniversary of the IMMDS Review. Listen to the mother’s.
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Minister for Health must initiate Sodium Valproate Inquiry – Rose Conway-Walsh TD
Sinn Féin TD for Mayo, Rose Conway-Walsh TD, today, on the one-year anniversary of the appointment of Ms Bríd O’Flaherty as Chairperson of the Inquiry into the Historical Licensing and Use of Sodium Valproate in Women of Child-Bearing Age, questioned…
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Links to Website Resources
- OACS Facebook Group
- OACS YouTube Channel
- OACS UK Charity
- Epilepsy Ireland
- Irish Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register
- Irish Family Planning Association
- Birth Control (HSE Website)
- Valproate (Epilim) Patient Booklet (HPRA)
- EMA – Information & reviews on Valproate
- Valproate Information(HSE Website)
- Meeting highlights from PRAC
Download Resources
- OACS Ireland Leaflet
- National Conference on the Consequences of Sodium Valproate
- Joint Committee on Health Report on Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome
- Valproate (Epilim) is a medicine licensed in Ireland to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder
- 2019 Neurology Referral Specialist
- HSE Report on prenatal exposure
- 2018 Sodium Valproate who knew what and when
- 2019 Videos from the National Conference on Sodium Valproate
- 2018 FACS Forum welcomes HSE’s plans to contact patients directly regarding Sodium Valproate
- 2019 Study identifies the risk of malformations associated with prenatal exposure to 10 epilepsy drugs
Videos / Media
OACS Ireland: The Story So Far
Public Hearing on Valproate
Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For Patients*
Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For Hospital Doctors*
Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For Neurologists & Psychiatrists*
Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For GPs*
*The Medication Safety Minute Team in conjunction with Dr Colin Doherty, Epileptologist in St. James’s Hospital (SJH), have produced a series of 4 videos to highlight the risks associated with sodium valproate medicines if taken during pregnancy. Each of the videos highlights key points in relation to the management of the issue from a different perspective − that of the patient, the hospital doctor, the specialist (neurologist or psychiatrist), and the GP, respectively. These videos were released during National Epilepsy Week which aims to raise awareness Epilim (Sodium Valproate) in pregnancy.