Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her question. I note that she is referring to the discontinuation of the sale of Lariam in the Irish market and the recent remarks reported to have been made by a former senior UK military officer. On the first matter, Roche Products (Ireland) Limited informed the director of the Defence Forces medical branch on 7 August 2015 that it was planning a discontinuation of Lariam from the Irish market with effect from 31 July 2016. My colleague and the former Minister for Defence, Deputy Simon Coveney, brought this matter to the attention of the House in an oral parliamentary questions session on 8 October 2015. I understand Roche has indicated that its decision is based on a commercial assessment. I understand it indicated at the time that it was not aware of any withdrawal plan in other countries, particularly the United Kingdom. It was indicated that in some European countries Lariam had, however, been withdrawn in the past due to low demand.

I am advised by the military authorities that drugs are purchased by the Defence Forces under the four-year framework agreement on the supply and pricing of medicines. This agreement is between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, IPHA, and the HSE.

On the second matter, I have been made aware of newspaper reports that a former senior UK military officer has apologised to British troops who were given the anti-malarial drug Lariam. The choice of malaria chemoprophylaxis in use by other armed forces is an internal matter for these forces. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the policy and practices of other states in this regard or to engage in discussion on the merits of these policies and practices. The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces are high priorities for both me and the Defence Forces. Malaria is a serious disease which killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015, with 90% of the deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa as reported by the World Health Organization.

The choice of medication for overseas deployment is a medical decision made by Defence Forces medical officers, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member involved. 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. I am advised by the director of the medical branch that this has been the policy since the first involvement of the Defence Forces in overseas service.

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