Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
144. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made in respect of each of the twelve recommendations arising from the Working Group which reviewed the Defence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12939/24]
View answerA Working Group on the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis in the Defence Forces presented its report and recommendations to the Minister with Responsibility for Defence in October 2017. A further working group was established with a view to examining and implementing these recommendations.
In January 2020, the Minister with Responsibility for Defence was informed by the military authorities that the instructions issued by the Director of the Medical Branch of the Defence Forces, had been amended to provide for options on the specific malaria chemoprophylaxis to be used for deployments to sub-Saharan Africa.
As the Working Group report and its recommendations were prepared in the context of current litigation, they are legally privileged, and it would be inappropriate to comment further. The military authorities have advised that Defence Forces policy on the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis is fully aligned with UN and World Health Organisation guidelines.
