Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2015
26. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence in view of recent revelations regarding new side effects to those who take the anti-malarial drug Lariam, if he will allow an independent investigation into the use of the drug by the Defence Forces. [25110/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), formerly the Irish Medicines Board is the statutory authority with responsibility for quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland. The Defence Forces policy, in relation to the use of anti-malaria medication, is in line with current HPRA approved summary of product characteristics (SmPC).
The Defence Forces are fully aware of the range of reported side effects attaching to all anti-malarial medications. Significant precautions are taken by the Medical Corps in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications.
It is the policy of the Defence Forces, that personnel are individually screened for fitness and medical suitability for service overseas including a medical risk assessment for Lariam.
Former Ministers for Defence have had the various allegations surrounding the use of Lariam investigated thoroughly and obtained the advice of leading medical experts, who concur with the prescribing practices followed by the Defence Forces. In addition and in consultation with my Department, the Defence Forces Directorate Medical Branch reviews policy in relation to medical issues of relevance to Military Medicine on an ongoing basis. One such issue is the use of specific agents in the chemoprophylaxis of malaria in all theatres. I am satisfied with the oversight of this sensitive issue provided by this arrangement.
As the Deputy will be aware, Malaria is a very serious disease. It kills approximately 1 million people per year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. It is a grave threat to any military force operating in that area. In the decade of deployment to sub-Saharan Africa by the Defence Forces, not a single member of the Defence Forces has died from malaria. The anti-malaria regime in place in the Defence Forces, including the use of Lariam, is working.
