Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his constructive response and his commitment to seek further information, which I am sure the families will appreciate. I want to point out that the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, did commit to convening a stakeholder group to see what can be done and, certainly, to stamp out the risks associated with Epilim. It is vital that the stakeholder group be established immediately because this is something that could run alongside an inquiry. In addition, back in 2018, the recruitment of four epilepsy nurses was committed to. That would also be very helpful, particularly for the purpose of the implementation of the pregnancy programme, so we need to have that recruitment also. These measures will go some way to ensuring that no family will be affected by Epilim in the future.

I also want to point out that it is very concerning that approximately 1,600 women take this drug in Ireland, yet an Epilepsy Ireland survey in 2020 found that one in six women are still unaware that the drug can in some cases cause serious birth defects and learning and developmental problems in children. This highlights an urgent need to get this matter moving and an urgent need also to support so many of those who are affected by this drug.

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