Defence Forces Medicinal Products

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 November 2016

Wednesday, 9 November 2016

Questions (42)

Paul Murphy

Question:

42. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on discussions held with PDFORRA regarding the ongoing use of Larium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33819/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

At the request of PDFORRA, officials from my Department and the Director of the Defence Forces Medical Branch recently met with PDFORRA to outline the medical policy in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis in the Defence Forces.

I am advised, as were PDFORRA, that the Defence Forces Medical Policy on the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis (including the use of Lariam) is in line with the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

The use of and the information on medications is kept under ongoing review. There are no plans to withdraw Lariam from the range of anti-malarial medications available to the Defence Forces.