Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I tabled this question following a meeting I attended recently with some former members of the Defence Forces and others who are concerned about this subject. A female attending that meeting asked if Lariam can affect fertility in some cases. The Minister mentioned that a blood test is carried out in advance. What exactly does it test? An allegation was made that the reason Lariam is used is because is cheaper than other drugs. Will the Minister advise on that? Are the serving members advised of the side effects of Lariam before they take it? The Minister said three people had serious side effects from having taken it and seven others had less dramatic side affects. The number of people who had side effects to the medication appears to be very small. From what was stated at that meeting, the bottom line is that more than that number have had serious side effects from taking this medication.

Is the Minister satisfied there is sufficient tracking of people who have had side effects from the taking of Lariam as they continue to serve or on leaving the armed forces? I understand the side effects from having taken a relatively small dose of Lariam can be experienced for quite a long time. In respect of the people who had serious side effects, the Minister said that those people are now clear of all symptoms. Is he satisfied that the tracking done in respect of those people is sufficiently strong for such a categorical statement to be made about them?

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