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 inquiry into the historical licensing and
use of sodium valproate in women of child-bearing age. It is almost six years since the then
Minister for Health announced the inquiry in November 2020. Why is the inquiry yet to commence?
Thousands of women in Ireland were prescribed Epilim despite emerging evidence of its
harmful effects during pregnancy. In France, a redress scheme has been established. In Britain,
an inquiry has been held and the government there has committed to a redress scheme. Why
is the Government here so reluctant to do the right thing by women in Ireland? When will the
Minister for Health reply to the Organisation for Anti-Convulsant, OACS, which has requested
a meeting? This inquiry needs to get up and running. I understand the need for robust regulations and terms of reference but it is wholly unacceptable that this taking so long.

Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill: I am happy to meet with the group. This is something
that I have worked with Epilepsy Ireland on in the past. I am familiar with the issues. I will very happily meet the group.

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh: Six years on; it has to get started