Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said an inquiry into the historical prescribing of an anti-epilepsy drug to pregnant women will be established "within weeks".
Today, families affected by sodium valproate, which can cause birth defects, gathered at the Department of Health for the announcement that barrister Bríd O’Flaherty will chair the inquiry, which Mr Donnelly said would be independent.
Karen Keely, from the Organisation for Anticonvulsant Syndromes Ireland, welcomed the development, saying she had been campaigning for years for such an inquiry to be held.
The inquiry, she said, will mean the voices of the affected families "will be heard".
Ms Keely said she was "elated" with the news of the chair’s appointment, but that a similar review in the UK was a "slow process".
Once the chair has all the appropriate information, she added, the inquiry should take "18 months at the most".
The department said that while sodium valproate is an "effective and essential treatment" for some patients, valproate-containing medicines can cause birth defects, neuro-developmental disorders and autism in children whose mothers take such medicines during pregnancy.
Mr Donnelly said today marked a "significant step" for those who have for years spoken out as a voice for their loved ones, and for those who cannot use their own voice as a result of FVSD.
He said the inquiry will document the evolution of sodium valproate regulation, the practices and controls in relation to its prescribing, and the timeline of developments in scientific knowledge about the potential impact of the drug on foetal development.
Sodium valproate is an effective medication for some and those taking it should not make any changes to treatment without first discussing it with their doctor, Mr Donnelly added.
