Rose Conway-Walsh Demands Inquiry Start Over Epilim Delay

Rose Conway-Walsh criticised delays in launching the inquiry into the historical licensing and use of sodium valparite (Epilim) in women of childbearing age, saying a chairperson was appointed a year ago but the inquiry has yet to begin. She urged the Minister for Health to reply to the Oaks organisation and called for the inquiry to get up and running.

Inquiry timeline and delay

She noted it is almost six years since the then Minister for Health announced the inquiry in November 2020 and marked a full year since the appointment of Ms Breed O'Flaherty as chairperson. While acknowledging the need for robust terms of reference, she described the continued delay as wholly unacceptable.

Questions for the government

She asked why the government was reluctant to do the right thing by women in Ireland and pressed for a reply from the Minister for Health to the Oaks organisation's request for a meeting. She highlighted that thousands of women in Ireland were prescribed Epilim despite emerging evidence of harmful effects during pregnancy.

International comparisons

She pointed out that France has established a redress scheme and that Britain has held an inquiry and committed to a redress scheme, questioning why Ireland had not followed those examples.

Engagement with campaigners

She offered to meet the campaign group, saying she has worked with Epilepsy Ireland on these issues, is familiar with the concerns, and would happily meet the Oaks organisation to discuss the inquiry and redress.