Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The claims are being managed by the State Claims Agency in conjunction with the Office of the Chief State Solicitor and these are the five cases involving the Defence Forces. I hope the Deputy appreciates I cannot comment on any individual case. The Minister has met the support group on two occasions. As soon as the final report is published, he will meet them again.

Deputy Ó Fearghaíl asked whether other antimalarial drugs have been approved for use. Three other antimalarial medications are available. However, there are specific reasons for each of these products not being suitable for use by the Defence Forces in sub-Saharan Africa. Chloroquine is no longer in use because of the development of widespread resistance. Doxycycline must be taken in the absence of dairy products. It also produces some sensitivity to sun and sun rashes in some individuals. This is particularly significant when used in very sunny climates and for this reason it is not recommended for first line use by the Defence Forces in sub-Saharan Africa. Malarone is unsuitable for use as it is licensed by the Irish Medicines Board to be used for no more than 28 continuous days. In this context, the prophylactic agent is suitable only for use where overseas deployment does not exceed 28 days. These are some of the reasons lariam remains the antimalarial agent of choice where malaria is virulent. Advice has been sought from the Medicines Board and the World Health Organization.

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