May 12, 2022
Government cannot abandon families affected by valproate scandal – Pearse Doherty TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has urged the government to progress plans for an inquiry into the valproate scandal.

The scandal emerged after pregnant women were prescribed valproate for conditions including epilepsy, despite the fact that the medication caused foetal defects.

A government inquiry into the scandal was announced 18 months ago, but the government has failed to establish the terms of reference of a timeline for the inquiry in the intervening period.

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Teachta Doherty told the Tánaiste:

“It has been 18 months since the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, committed to holding an inquiry into the valproate scandal. Yet 18 months on there are still no terms of reference and no timeline for an inquiry.

“There is still no HSE Disability Pathway in place for families harmed. Tánaiste this has been raised with you here in the Dáil on numerous occasions with no clear response.

“Families who have suffered for decades deserve the truth. Hundreds of children were born in this state with serious health issues as a result of the prescribing of this drug.

“So Tánaiste, when will we see the terms of reference and what will the timeline for the inquiry be?”

Share On Facebook
Share On Twitter
Share On Whatsapp
Share Via Email
Copy URL

Follow us online

Latest Tweets
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
20 Apr

Transparency & accountability crucial to restore confidence at University of Limerick – @QuinlivanTD

Teachta Quinlivan's comments come following reports the Garda Economic Crime Bureau is examining issues relating to a controversial housing deal at UL.

Reply on Twitter 1781654532855869469 Retweet on Twitter 1781654532855869469 5 Like on Twitter 1781654532855869469 12 Twitter 1781654532855869469
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
20 Apr

It is essential that a State apology is now made to the families of the Stardust tragedy.

@MaryLouMcDonald has said that the apology must address the failures of governments, not just 43 years ago in the aftermath of this tragedy, but every day since then.

#JFT48

Reply on Twitter 1781643300211986528 Retweet on Twitter 1781643300211986528 24 Like on Twitter 1781643300211986528 82 Twitter 1781643300211986528
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
20 Apr

Following a meeting with the families of the Stardust tragedy this morning, @MaryLouMcDonald has said that "a full state apology to the families must be made now, and it must address the systematic failure over 43 years".

MORE: https://vote.sinnfein.ie/a-full-state-apology-to-stardust-families-must-address-systematic-failure-over-43-years-mary-lou-mcdonald/

Reply on Twitter 1781634297473994961 Retweet on Twitter 1781634297473994961 34 Like on Twitter 1781634297473994961 80 Twitter 1781634297473994961
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
20 Apr

ICOB in danger of being becoming another failed government business support scheme – @loreillysf

“It's essential that the May 1st deadline for registrations is extended, and that government & local authorities engage with SME's to encourage take-up."

Reply on Twitter 1781602988349390954 Retweet on Twitter 1781602988349390954 8 Like on Twitter 1781602988349390954 16 Twitter 1781602988349390954
Load More