Bríd O’Flaherty BL

Sodium valproate can cause birth defects, neuro-developmental disorders and autism in children whose mothers take it during pregnancy.

Around 1,200 children in Ireland are believed to have been affected by in utero exposure to the anti-epileptic drug since the 1970s, according to an HSE review from 2018.

Bríd O’Flaherty BL is chairing the inquiry, which will examine the historical and current context of sodium valproate use through three distinct strands.

The first strand will be the review phase, which will establish a timeline for the use of sodium valproate in the State in women of childbearing potential including information on regulation, prescribing, dispensing and safety information issued.

The second strand of the inquiry will enable oral statements from individuals diagnosed with foetal valproate spectrum disorder (FVSD), their mothers and other family members who may wish to participate in the inquiry.

The third strand will focus on assessing the health service’s current capacity to respond to safety issues related to use of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in women of child-bearing potential.

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “I welcome the commencement of the inquiry, which will give those directly affected by sodium valproate an opportunity to have their voices heard.

“I was grateful to meet with Organisation Anticonvulsant Syndromes Ireland (OACS Ireland) recently and I know this is an important day for them and the families they represent.

“I have every confidence that the chair will conduct an independent and fair Inquiry and finally get answers for those affected and their families.”

A communications campaign will be launched in the coming weeks to raise public awareness and support engagement with the Inquiry.