Defence Forces Medicinal Products

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016

Tuesday, 27 September 2016

Questions (979)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

979. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, had complained on behalf of its members to military authorities regarding serious side effects of the anti-malaria mefloquine drug Lariam; if his Department was aware of the issues they raised as far back as 2005; and if RACO raised concerns with the military authorities or directly with previous Ministers and if so when. [27340/16]

Written answers

Taoiseach and Minister for Defence

I am advised that at present there are no concerns or issues from the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) to the Military Authorities with respect to the use of Lariam. I am also advised that back in 2005 the use of Lariam was discussed as part of a general briefing in the wider context of medical provisions for overseas deployments, specifically the Liberia theatre of deployment. Such enquiries and debriefs are routine in nature and are not considered to be complaints.

Questions Nos. 980 to 985, inclusive, answered with Question No. 975.