Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

To clarify, the Minister of State has spoken about the advice he has been given. Is he willing to provide it for the House? It appears to me that he is ignoring the facts. Across the water, where thousands have been affected, the British Ministry of Defence has acknowledged the negative impact. Should we not be taking this information on board? The Minister of State has said this is the most suitable drug. I point out, however, that Dr. Franz Humer is on record as stating science has advanced considerably since Lariam was first introduced and that there are more effective anti-malarial drugs available with reduced side effects. I ask the Minister of State to take this on board. He has said we have a very good record. There are 50 serving or former members of the Defence Forces who have lodged claims against the State because of the prescription of this drug and legal proceedings have been served against the State in 37 cases. The Minister of State may say the drug has been withdrawn from the market in this country for commercial reasons, but I disagree with him on this point and the buck stops with him.

We could be here in ten or 20 years reflecting on 1,000 former Defence Forces members suffering from a severe psychiatric condition because of this drug. The Minister of State will have to answer for that, as well other former Ministers for Defence. The buck stops with him today. He has information on his desk on negative side effects, but he is hiding behind what he says is expert medical advice which he has not provided for the House. I ask him to provide it.

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