Paul Murphy
Question:327. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health what methods his Department will employ to select a chairperson for the inquiry into sodium valproate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7184/24]
View answerThursday, 15 February 2024
Questions (327)
Written answers
Work is actively ongoing in my Department in relation to sourcing an appropriate person to Chair the inquiry, and the Deputy will appreciate that this is a sensitive matter. The Chair is an essential role that needs careful consideration. The role requires an experienced person who will run a fair and independent process, and who can give the inquiry the time and attention it deserves.
Over recent months, my Department has worked to identify and to approach candidates deemed suitable, on the basis of criteria discussed with OACS and Epilepsy Ireland, but this has not succeeded to date. The next step in progressing this is the publication of an expression of interest communication which is scheduled to be advertised via the www.publicjobs.ie portal in the immediate weeks ahead. This campaign aims to attract interested and suitably qualified candidates; from which cohort an interview process is planned to determine the most appropriate candidate from any applications received.
I will be glad to provide an update on this matter once this work is finalised.