I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 59 together.
As I stated in my reply to the Private Members’ Motion, which was before the Dáil on 28 June, fundamentally the use of anti-malarial drugs is a medical matter that should be decided by qualified medical professionals. In the Defence Forces these are decisions for highly qualified Medical Officers having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
I would like to again remind the House that there is ongoing litigation in relation to this matter. The State Claims Agency manages claims on behalf of the Department of Defence and has confirmed that to date 56 claims have been made by members and former members of the Defence Forces who allege personal injury as a result of their consumption of mefloquine (Lariam). The first case was scheduled to be heard in the High Court on 4th July last and has now been adjourned to 3 November 2017. You will therefore appreciate that I am constrained in my discussions on the matter.
I wish to assure the House that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me and for the Defence Forces.