Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
32. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of sodium valproate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48477/23]
View answerWhen I met with the patient groups involved with this issue, I supported their call for an inquiry into sodium valproate and I committed to making that happen. I was delighted to secure Government approval for the establishment of an inquiry which will examine the licensing and use of sodium valproate in women of child-bearing potential in the State.
I am very pleased to be able to progress this. This inquiry will be designed to give a voice to patients and their families while looking at the use of sodium valproate in Ireland since it was first licensed.
There is more work to be done to establish the inquiry It is important that enough time and resources are invested in completing this work. There are many factors to consider, and I want to ensure that the inquiry established delivers and allows those impacted to tell their story and my officials are working to ensure that this will be facilitated. The Chair is an essential role that needs careful consideration. Work is actively ongoing in my Department in this regard and I will provide an update on this matter once this work is finalised.
