Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Crowe for raising this issue, which has been raised regularly in the House. It has been debated in other parliaments in different parts of the world as well. The truth is that malaria is a very serious disease and is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people every year. When we send our troops into conflict zones that are affected by malaria, we need to ensure we have the best medical treatment for those soldiers. I have stated repeatedly that I am not a qualified medical doctor. Politicians should not be making a decision on this matter except on the basis of the medical advice available. This has been my approach.

I am aware of the ongoing debate relating to the use of Lariam. The Deputy will be aware that the choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by medical officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces concerned. The Defence Forces are aware of the range of reported side effects attaching to all anti-malarial medications. Significant precautions are taken by the Defence Forces medical officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability. A medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis. The Defence Forces' policy in relation to the use of anti-malarial medication is in line with current Health Products Regulatory Authority approved summary of product characteristics.

In January 2011, having regard to current and potential litigation, my Department established a working group to examine the use of Lariam and other anti-malarial drugs in the Defence Forces. The group produced its report to a former Minister for Defence in 2013. I am advised that the group investigated the allegations surrounding the use of Lariam and obtained the advice of leading medical experts, who concurred with the prescribing practices followed by the Defence Forces.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Since production of its report, members of the working group have continued to monitor developments in the area of malaria chemoprophylaxis. My Department has recently reconvened the malaria chemoprophylaxis working group. This group met in August and has engaged once again with experts, both nationally and internationally. The group expects to provide an updated report to me later this year.

By way of additional information, the Deputy may wish to note that Roche Products (Ireland) Limited, Roche, which distributes Lariam in Ireland, recently informed the Defence Forces that it is planning a discontinuation of Lariam from the Irish market with effect from 31 July 2016. I understand that Roche has indicated that its decision is based on a commercial assessment and takes into consideration medical needs, potential alternative treatments and prevention options. I understand that Roche has indicated that it is not aware of any withdrawal plans in other countries, particularly in the UK. It was indicated that in some European countries Lariam has however been withdrawn in the past due to low demand, malaria incidence and need for prevention. The implications arising from this decision by Roche are being considered in full by the Defence Forces medical branch.

I conclude by reminding the Deputy that malaria is a very serious disease killing approximately 1 million people per year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. It is a grave threat to any military force operating in the area. Anti-malarial medications must remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the medical corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas mission, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.

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