Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)

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.

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