Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2017
58. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the action he has taken further to the Dáil Éireann motion prohibiting the use of Lariam as a drug of first choice for soldiers deployed overseas in areas in which exposure to malaria is a risk. [52874/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
As I have outlined previously, a Working Group has examined issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam. I have recently received its report and am considering same.
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 58 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). 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 .
