Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

I understand the position the Minister is in now that legal proceedings have commenced. I wish to put a general question relating to the use of Lariam. In answer to a previous question I submitted the Minister stated that all personnel were screened prior to overseas deployment. The Minister further stated there was a probationary period of between three and four weeks during which personnel received medication before being deployed overseas to establish how they reacted to the medication. Perhaps the Minister has the answer available now and, if not, perhaps he will pass it on to me. How many personnel have been in receipt of Lariam? How many of these were deemed unsuitable after having commenced the taking of Lariam? How many personnel were ruled out of overseas deployment as a result of being unsuitable because of Lariam?

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