Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is always legitimate that questions are asked but the fact that individuals raised concerns does not justify the Deputy being alarmist with regard to the use of lariam. As the Deputy well knows from responses to previous questions in the Dáil on the issue, which I addressed at great length, the difficulties that arose with the use of lariam by members of the United States army derived from the fact that there was no pre-screening and that all of the contra-indications, for example, if someone suffers from depression or other psychosomatic difficulty, were not screened out. There was a substantial problem in the American armed forces because they did not adopt the approach we adopt.

There is nothing in the report that indicates in any shape or form that the approach that has been taken heretofore should not be taken. I wish to be quite categoric on that. I reiterate that the choice of medication must always remain a medical decision to be made by medical officers in the Defence Forces on the basis of best medical practice, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces. It is not a matter for ministerial direction. The expert group investigated all the various allegations surrounding the use of lariam and obtained advice from leading medical experts. In the context of research, Lariam has been shown to be one of the most effective medications for protection against the type of malaria prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Other medications are available that are not suitable for sub-Saharan Africa. There are various types of malaria and we have an obligation to ensure that our forces have the protection that is appropriate to them. Malarone is another possible alternative but not all the alternatives are suitable for each location in which we deploy members of the Defence Forces.

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