Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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289. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the inquiry into the historical licensing and use of the anti-epileptic drug sodium valproate that his Department committed to in November 2020; the timeframe for this inquiry to take place; the position regarding the disability package for persons affected by valproate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8853/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Officials in my Department are currently engaging with the relevant patient representative groups regarding the terms of reference for a potential inquiry into sodium valproate; no timeframe has been established for the inquiry. 

Since 2018, the HSE has worked to improve the structures in place to support families affected by foetal valproate syndrome (FVS). A dedicated genetics clinic has been established in Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin. and the HSE has appointed several dedicated resources to carry out assessments; there is currently no waiting list for assessment in the FVS clinic.

In general, access to disability services is provided based on individual need, rather than a specific diagnosis, in keeping with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. However, patients who receive a diagnosis of FVS following assessment in the genetics clinic in Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin, are eligible for a care pathway specific to FVS.