Cantillons Solicitors welcome the decision of the Minister for Health to hold an Inquiry into Epilim

The State believe up to 1,250 children born between 1975 and 2015 may have experienced some form of neurodevelopmental delay after the use of the epilepsy drug, Sodium Valproate, by their mothers while pregnant.The Oireachtas FACS Report by the Joint Committee on Health of May 2018, made a number of recommendations including the establishment of an independent investigation to examine the historical use of valproate medicines in Ireland and into the ongoing effects of valproate medicines in this jurisdiction.  Unfortunately, many of the recommendations in that Report have yet to be implemented.

In the UK, the Cumberlege Review published in July 2020, made some troubling findings including the fact that since 1972, there was evidence that Valproate can cause physical and neurodevelopmental effects in children, if taken by mothers during pregnancy. The Review was critical of the UK ‘system’ including manufacturers, regulators, clinicians and policy makers which ultimately failed to have adequate regard for patient safety, for example, by not identifying risks or acting on known risks in a timely manner.  Worryingly the Review highlighted women are still becoming pregnant whilst on Valproate without any knowledge of the risks.It is hoped that the Terms of Reference for such an Inquiry will fully meet the requirements of the families affected.

Contact us at Cantillons Solicitors at +353 (0)21 4275673 or info@cantillons.com if you would like more information. Share on Social

Marion Fogarty

Associate

Experience

Marian practises in clinical negligence cases with a particular focus on delayed diagnosis of cancer claims, fatal injury, plastic surgery, general surgery, obstetric injury, catastrophic injury and ENT claims, to name a few.  Her experience in these areas of law ranges from mid value cases to complex and high value claims.  She provides advice to clients in relation to issues arising under the Data Protection Acts/GDPR, limitation issues and has experience of litigating before the High Court, Court of Civil Appeal and Supreme Court.    She is a CEDR accredited mediator and represents clients in the mediation of clinical negligence claims.

Qualifications/Associations

• Bachelor of Business Studies and French, University of Limerick
• Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors (2009)
• Advocacy and Employment Law Skills Certificate, Law Society of Ireland
• CEDR Certificate in Advanced Negotiation Skills
• CEDR Accredited Mediator
• Diploma in Professional Regulation, NUI
• Certificate in Data Protection Practice, Law Society of Ireland

Memberships

Law Society of Ireland, AVMA, Southern Law Association, DSBA and CEDR Exchange