Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 June 2014
23. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the number of soldiers that have been discharged on the grounds of mental health problems, per year, over the past ten years; the number of these been given Lariam; and the studies that have been undertaken by his Department of problems experienced by those who were administered this drug. [25795/14]
View answerI am advised that the Medical Module of the Personnel Management System does not provide the specific medical reasons why personnel were discharged from the Defence Forces. Therefore, there is no way of providing this information without examining every medical record of every person discharged. In January 2011 the Department established a working group to examine the use of Lariam and other anti-malarial drugs in the Defence Forces. The Group comprises military and civil officials and representatives from the State Claims Agency and the Chief State Solicitors Office.
The purpose of this Group was to review issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation; to review and confirm the Defence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis in the Defence Forces; and to ensure that the procedures in relation thereto continue to be appropriate and in accordance with best medical practice as promulgated by the relevant medical authorities. The work of the Group informs the Defence Organisation’s process of ongoing risk assessment and mitigation in the context of a proactive Risk Management Strategy.
The Group reported back to the previous Minister in June 2013. The Report was produced in the context of current and potential litigation and is, therefore, legally privileged. I can confirm that the Group investigated all the various issues surrounding the use of Lariam and obtained advice from leading medical experts. These experts concur with the practices followed by the Defence Forces in prescribing Lariam.
The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) is the statutory authority with responsibility for the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland. The Defence Forces Medical Corps complies with its guidelines on the prescription of medicines, including Lariam. I am advised that Lariam is one of the most effective medications for protection against the type of malaria prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. It continues to be licensed by the IMB. The Defence Forces are fully aware of the range of reported side effects attaching to all anti-malaria medications. I am advised that protocols are in place to control the risk of side effects in individuals.
The Defence Forces follow best international practice in prescribing Lariam. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability, i.e. a medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis. This is intended to rule out personnel from overseas service with certain conditions, e.g. depression, anxiety, pregnancy, neurodegenerative disorders etc. which, as has been indicated by the IMB, are more likely to precipitate serious adverse reactions to Lariam. Lariam remains licensed by the IMB and must remain in the formulary of medication prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
