Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
539 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No 113 of the 26 January 2011 if the information requested has been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21535/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date the information requested from the Deputy when he was Minister for Defence has not been provided. I am informed by the Military Authorities that the compilation of the information provided to personnel who were prescribed Lariam is ongoing. As soon as it is complete I will arrange to provide the information direct to the Deputy who requested it. Lariam is a malaria chemo-prophylactic agent first authorised for use in 1989 by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB), which is the statutory regulatory body charged with regulating the use of medicines, to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines available in Ireland. Research has shown that it is one of the most effective medications for protection against the type of malaria prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. While certain risks associated with the use of the drug were highlighted in Drug Safety Newsletters in 1996 and 2003, the Irish Medicines Board remained of the view that the benefit/risk profile for the product remained acceptable. The IMB continues to review the safety of this and all medicines on an ongoing basis and updates the product information as appropriate. Lariam remains the medication of choice for the Defence Forces for missions to sub-Saharan Africa and continues to be certified by the Irish Medicines Board.
