Sodium Valproate Inquiry
An Inquiry into the licensing and use of sodium valproate in women of child-bearing potential in the State.
Welcome to the website of the Inquiry into the licensing and use of sodium valproate by women of child bearing potential in the State. This site aims to give those affected by Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD) and their families information on the work of the Inquiry and how to get involved.
The Inquiry will be divided into
Two Phases
Phase One
Timeline
The first strand will be the review phase, in which the Inquiry will create a timeline for the use of sodium valproate in the State in women of childbearing potential. The timeline will potentially include information on the regulation, prescribing, dispensing and safety information issued.
The Inquiry will seek to document the evolution of sodium valproate regulation and the practices around the control of this product.
Phase Two
Meetings
The second strand of the Inquiry will enable oral statements to be given by individuals diagnosed with Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD), their mothers and other family members who may wish to participate in this Inquiry.
Other stakeholders may also be invited to provide oral statements, in separate sessions. All sessions will be held in private.
The Inquiry would like to hear from you.
If you or a family member have been diagnosed with Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD), or are on the diagnostic pathway, and you would like to share your experiences with the Inquiry, it would like to hear from you.
It is anticipated that the process of collecting oral statements from individuals, affected by FVSD, will commence from September 2025 onwards. If you would like to be a part of this process, please register your interest with the Inquiry and you will be forwarded further information on how to engage, what is involved and how you will be supported through the process. The Inquiry aims to accept information from those affected by whatever means they choose. For example, individuals may meet with the Chair of the Inquiry in person in private, write to her by post or email, or make contact through video or voice calls.