Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 June 2016
231. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will investigate if the human rights of members of the Defence Forces are breached when a choice of malaria prophylaxis is denied to them and they are required to take Lariam, given that a choice of malaria prophylaxis is available to all other citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13917/16]
View answerI do not consider actions taken to protect the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces are a breach of their human rights. As the Deputy will be aware, there are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision which is made by Medical Officers in the Irish Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Irish Defence Forces.
Significant precautions are taken by Irish Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of our Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications. It is the policy of the Irish Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability. The objective is to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by malaria.
