Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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178. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 350 of 15 October 2019 and 160 of 23 October 2019, if he has received a briefing from his officials on the HSE valproate response project report; if a decision has been made to publish or not publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51897/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE's report on its Valproate Response Project has been considered within my Department, and I have received briefing from officials. The report describes the HSE's work on sodium valproate issues since the Valproate Response team was established in May 2018. This work has included the provision of an expert support service for people with concerns about exposure to sodium valproate; developing a diagnostic pathway for foetal valproate syndrome; and improving the structures in place to support families affected by valproate syndrome. The HSE has also begun the development of a Programme for Women's Health in Epilepsy, which will coordinate the national response to issues relating to sodium valproate.

I understand that the HSE intends to publish its report in the near future.