The Taoiseach’s party made a general election promise to hold an independent inquiry into the historical use of sodium valproate, or Epilim, which, as the Taoiseach knows, is a drug used to treat epilepsy. Many children have suffered devastating neurological disabilities because their mothers were taking this drug. The Taoiseach promised to do this. I asked the Minister one year ago and the most recent response from the Minister to a parliamentary question, which was just two days ago, was that his officials were still looking at this issue. The health committee recommended in 2018 that we hold an inquiry. I ask the Taoiseach to do all in his power to ensure this independent inquiry is set up immediately.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. I will go back to the Minister for Health in respect of it and see what proposals are coming forward. There has been a lot on in the health arena in the past year, as the Deputy knows, and it has been non-stop in respect of Covid and many other issues. I will pursue the matter with the Minister and get the latest update.