Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy that it would be helpful to have the maximum level of information available and it is important to bear in mind that, in the first instance, responsibility rests with the Irish Medicines Board in respect of any medicines that are approved for use. The Deputy is correct in that the Defence Forces have particular reason to use this medication and have a large cohort of people who need to use it. A reasonable person would state that the precautions taken by administering three or four weeks beforehand, as well as ongoing assessment before travel and during the overseas trip, are very important. Moreover, one should bear in mind that the Defence Forces Medical Corps is available to personnel both in Ireland and to those who are deployed on overseas service. I have no reason to believe that members of the Defence Forces are reluctant to access the services available from the Medical Corps.

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