Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1293. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the reason he did not establish a statutory inquiry into historical licensing and prescribing of sodium valproate; when he expects the chair of the non-statutory inquiry to be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36479/23]
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. When I committed to this, I asked officials in my Department examine different options for the structure of the inquiry.
The preference is for a non-statutory inquiry in order to put in place a timely process that will seek to establish the key facts, while engaging with patients and families at all stages, and avoiding a long drawn out and adversarial process.
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.
With regard to the appointment of the Chair, I will provide an update on this matter in the near future.
Question No. 1294 answered with Question No. 1096.
