Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2016
699. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views as to whether officers travelling to sub-Saharan areas are prescribed Malarone or Doxycycline, rather than Lariam; when this policy was initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19386/16]
View answer700. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views confirming that Lariam is prescribed for a six-month period when Defence Forces personnel are on a four-month tour of duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19387/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 700 together.
The choice of medication for overseas deployment is a medical decision that 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. Consideration is given to:
- location;
- sensitivity of the local mosquito species to anti-malarial drugs;
- duration of exposure;
- duration of time available before deployment;
- the individual’s past medical history; and
- the operational imperative which requires any specific individual to travel.
These determinants are used to select the most appropriate agent for all personnel being deployed, irrespective of rank.
It is the policy of the Irish Defence Forces Medical Corps to follow best practice in relation to prescribing and dispensing all medicines to members of the Defence Forces. All drugs, including Lariam are prescribed in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines/instructions. It is used prior to arrival in the malarious region in order to ensure adequate blood levels on arrival on location and to detect any sensitivity to its effects prior to deployment so that mitigating interventions can be employed at home.
Malaria remains a very serious disease, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015, according to the World Health Organization. It is a grave threat to any military force operating in that area and as I have made clear, the health and welfare of the Defence Forces are a priority for me and this informs my approach to the issue of Lariam.
