Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Conway-Walsh raised the issue of sodium valproate. There has been a great deal of engagement between the European Medicines Agency and the Health Products Regulatory Authority regarding the drug she referenced. It is a source of great concern. I know significant effort has been put into labelling and advice given around the drug. It is a matter of concern. It is important that we continue to strengthen the warnings and to improve the educational aspects and information around the drug, especially for women who are pregnant. I would be happy were the Minister to come to the House to debate the matter. Perhaps Senator Conway-Walsh might be best placed to table it as a Commencement matter, where she might get a more expeditious answer.

I commend Senator Norris on his work for the Tibetan people. The point he made on the one-China policy - I am speaking in a personal capacity - is one on which I agree with him. I am sure the Government would have a different viewpoint. There is a need to have a look at our policy around our interaction not with China per se, but with Taiwan and other countries in that part of the world. It is equally important that we can have economic activity with countries like Taiwan.