Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:976. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Malarone and doxycycline tablets issued to both officers or soldiers by the Defence Forces since 2012. [27337/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 27 September 2016
Ceisteanna (976, 978)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:978. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of tablets of Lariam, Mefloquine, issued to both officers or soldiers by the Defence Forces since 2012. [27339/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 976 and 978 together.
The health and welfare of the Defence Forces is a priority for both myself and the Defence Forces. As the Deputy is aware that there are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline.
The choice of medication for overseas deployment, for both officers and enlisted personnel, is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Irish Defence Forces. Rank is not a consideration.
Significant precautions are taken by the Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of our 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 for service overseas and medical suitability.
I am advised by the military authorities that the following table reflects the number of Lariam (Mefloquine), Doxycycline and Malarone tablets issued to either officers or enlisted personnel in the Defence Forces since 2012.
Number of tablets issued to either officers or enlisted personnel in the Defence Forces since 2012:
|
Drug |
Dublin |
DFTC |
Athlone |
Cork |
TOTAL |
|
Lariam |
2145 |
1897 |
736 |
894 |
5672 |
|
Doxycycline 100mg* |
5096 |
7143 |
2296 |
3692 |
18227 |
|
Malarone or equiv |
1480 |
2364 |
332 |
560 |
4736 |
The Deputy should note that both Malarone and Doxycycline require a daily dosage while Lariam requires a weekly dosage.
*In addition, the Deputy should note that I have been advised that Doxycycline medication is used for a variety of ailments, and is not solely used as an anti malarial.
Question No. 977 answered with Question No. 975.
Question No. 978 answered with Question No. 976.