Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
1947. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 2 of 8 October, 2015 (details supplied) if Lariam was still being supplied in the Irish market on 1 August 2016; the date it was or will be discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24864/16]
View answerRoche Products (Ireland) Limited informed the Defence Forces Director Medical Branch that it planned a discontinuation of Lariam from the Irish Market with effect from 31st July 2016 and indicated that its decision was based on a commercial assessment. Drugs are purchased by the Defence Forces under the four year framework agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines, between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the HSE. The Defence Forces purchase pharmaceuticals on a demand basis and I am advised that Lariam can be procured for use by the Defence Forces through two main wholesalers.
The health and welfare of the Defence Forces are a priority for me and this informs my approach to the issue of Lariam. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Irish Defence Forces.
Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam, remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by Malaria.
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.
