Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 October 2012
180. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number of suicide deaths within the Defence Forces since 2000; the number that were prescribed Lariam at the time or had been in the years prior to their deaths. [47114/12]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that during the period 01 January 2000 to 23 October 2012, a total of 182 PDF personnel died while in service. The breakdown per annum, is below.
|
Year |
Number of deaths |
|
2000 |
18 |
|
2001 |
17 |
|
2002 |
12 |
|
2003 |
13 |
|
2004 |
13 |
|
2005 |
12 |
|
2006 |
17 |
|
2007 |
16 |
|
2008 |
11 |
|
2009 |
18 |
|
2010 |
12 |
|
2011 |
13 |
|
2012 |
10 |
|
Total |
182 |
I am advised by the military authorities that the Defence Forces do not capture data on the number of suicides there have been in the Defence Forces during a specific period of time. Therefore the Defence Forces are not in a position to provide the information requested in relation to death by suicide. All sudden deaths must be reported to the relevant Coroner’s Office. It is a matter for the Coroner to decide whether a post mortem should be conducted and to determine the cause of death.
Lariam is a malaria chemoprophylactic agent first authorised for use in 1989 by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB), which is the statutory regulatory body charged with regulating the use of medicines, to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines available in Ireland. Research has shown that it is one of the most effective medications for protection against the type of malaria prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. While certain risks associated with the use of the drug were highlighted in Drug Safety Newsletters in 1996 and 2003, the IMB remained of the view that the benefit/risk profile for the product remained acceptable. The IMB continues to review the safety of this and all medicines on an ongoing basis and updates the product information as appropriate. Lariam remains the medication of choice for the Defence Forces for missions to sub-Saharan Africa and continues to be certified by the IMB.
In accordance with best international practice in prescribing Lariam, and taking account of the contra-indications, warnings and side effects highlighted by the IMB, it is the policy of the Defence Forces to screen all personnel for medical suitability. The screening system rules out personnel from overseas service with certain conditions for example depression, anxiety, neurodegenerative disorders, etc., which, as has been indicated by the IMB and other regulatory bodies worldwide, are more likely to precipitate serious adverse reactions to Lariam.
