Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are all on the same page.

The reason the questions are being asked continually is that we are all concerned about soldiers who have been affected negatively by the drug. One question they ask is whether the Minister is satisfied that, in all circumstances in which personnel have been asked to take Lariam, they have been given complete information on the possible side-effects.

The Minister mentioned the inquiry group. We approached this during our last Question Time and the Minister said he was establishing the group. That is positive news for all those who have been affected. In the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions, there are ongoing inquiries. Has the Minister been following them? In the Irish case, the group is to sit privately to consider the matter, but in the United Kingdom, for instance, there is an open inquiry. Has the Minister considered having an open inquiry? Does he believe the route he is taking is quicker or more successful?

As with all such matters, people express concern that the first priority of the State or Departments seems to be to protect the system where difficult events have occurred. An example is institutional abuse. Will the Minister consider opening up the inquiry so the public can see what is going on?

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