Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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160. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of an independent inquiry into the historical licensing and use of sodium valproate, or Epilim, here, following the publication of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review in the UK (details supplied), which has recommended a state apology to families impacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16247/20]

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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161. To ask the Minister for Health if he will meet patient representatives to discuss the findings of the UK Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review and the establishment of an independent inquiry into the historical licensing and use of sodium valproate here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16253/20]

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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162. To ask the Minister for Health if the recommendations of the 2018 Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health report on foetal anti-convulsant syndrome will be implemented; if the recommendation to establish an independent investigation to examine the historical use of valproate medicines here will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16254/20]

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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163. To ask the Minister for Health if a valproate stakeholder group will be established consisting of officials from his Department, the HSE, the HPRA, patient groups and other relevant stakeholders in order to provide greater oversight and co-ordination in ensuring measures introduced in 2018 to reduce the risks associated with valproate are being implemented effectively (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16255/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 to 163, inclusive, together.

I have previously gone on record as stating that I would support an inquiry into the use of sodium valproate in this country. On 8 July, the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review in the UK published its report into sodium valproate and two other medical interventions. I have asked officials in my Department, as well as in the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, to consider the findings of this report and provide me with comprehensive briefing before I consider the next steps in addressing the issue of sodium valproate use in Ireland. This will include consideration of the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health.