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

I totally agree with the Deputy on this. This is about getting the best medical advice, and I also agree with Deputy Crowe. The reason I am a little defensive is that it is not an easy decision. There are some problems with Lariam for some people. I have used Lariam and did not have any side effects, but I am lucky, as other people have experienced side effects. It is about balancing the health concerns of our troops who go abroad to conflict zones where there is malaria. Different strains of malaria require different drugs. Not all of our troops who go abroad are treated with Lariam.

I have tried to be consistent on this and have tried to ensure that the decisions made are informed by the best medical advice in Ireland and abroad, which is why I have asked the working group on Lariam to look at this again and come back to me with a report before the end of the year. I have asked them whether there is updated information on better alternatives to Lariam that we can use, with a lower chance of negative side effects, and whether we can screen our troops more effectively before they depart to reduce the risk from the use of Lariam. All of these things are being considered. I would have no problem with saying we would not use Lariam any more if I felt that was the right decision to take for medical reasons. However, what I do not want to do is just say that and expose Irish Defence Forces personnel to a risk of contracting malaria, which is a killer disease.

I have made it clear within the Department that I want the working group to produce another report and to look again at what is being said abroad and at the medical advice available here at home. We will do all of that. Next year we will be forced into making a decision because Lariam may not be available here. That is fine. However, I cannot and will not send troops into areas abroad if I am not satisfied that we have reduced their risk of exposure to malaria to the maximum possible extent using the best available drugs. There is no perfect drug for malaria and if anybody says there is, I would like to hear about it. This is about minimising risk and taking decisions on the basis of good medical advice. That is the only consideration I have when looking at the issue of Lariam.

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