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

We were hoping to have this report by the end of January and I responded to that effect in November when Deputy Clare Daly raised the issue, something she has done repeatedly. The group has asked for a bit more time, which I am happy to give them because I want sound advice here. If they need more time they will get it. I cannot give the Deputy an exact date as to when we will get that advice back but I certainly hope it will be in the first quarter of this year. I spoke about looking at procedures in the Department. When issues are raised with me on the subject of Lariam, I go back to my Department and ask them to help me understand why people are concerned in this regard, what the issues are and how we screen people before we prescribe the drugs. Lariam is not suitable for some people, so I ask how we ensure those people are not prescribed Lariam and do not go to certain missions that may be in a malaria zone but go instead to another mission that does not have malaria, such as Lebanon or the Golan Heights. The issue for me is around risk management and taking the best medical advice possible. The debate around Lariam is a very emotive one. I am more than aware of that and that is why I want to make sound decisions based on legal advice from respected experts whom we have asked to look at the issue. I hope to have that back within weeks. If not, I hope to have it within a couple of months.

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