Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Daly mentioned the UK defence committee report on Lariam. I am very much aware of the report and its conclusions. However, the use of Lariam by other armed forces is an internal matter for them. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the policy of other states in this regard. The Deputy may wish to note that the working group invited two of the doctors who provided evidence to the UK defence committee to submit material to it and both Dr. Remington Nevin and Dr. Ashley Croft submitted material for its consideration.

On the use of Lariam in an Irish context, the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a priority for me. I have never changed that line, and nor did my predecessor. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision by the medical officers in the Irish Defence Forces, having regard for the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Irish Defence Forces.

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