**Update 2/11/20** - a unavoidable diary change has meant we are now meeting with the Minister later this month with new date scheduled for 23/11/20.
Epilepsy Ireland and OACS Ireland have received an invitation from the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly to meet regarding our ongoing campaign surrounding Sodium Valproate (Epilim) next Wednesday.
We have accepted this invitation and welcome the opportunity to discuss the many issues which are facing families impacted by Sodium Valproate which include:
1) The establishment of a Ministerial-appointed valproate stakeholder group to minimise the risk of children being born in Ireland with valproate-related disabilities.
2) The establishment of an independent inquiry on the historical licencing and use of valproate in Ireland
3) The need to activate measures proposed by HSE in 2019 to support families affected by foetal valproate syndrome.
We look forward to meeting to the Minister and are hopeful that the Minister will reiterate his previous commitments to holding an independent inquiry; that he will ensure that supports are put in place to support families who have been impacted by sodium valproate; and that measures are strengthened to ensure no family is impacted by sodium valproate in the future.
We will provide an update on our website and social media as soon as possible after our meeting.
For more information on Sodium Valproate visit the 'Valproate' section of our website. You can read more about our recent contact with the Minister, by reading the associated article in the 'News' section of our website.