Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am aware that Lariam has now been discontinued in the Irish market. Roche Products (Ireland) Limited informed the Defence Forces director of the medical branch on 7 August 2015 that it was planning a discontinuation of Lariam from the market with effect from 31 July 2016. My colleague and former Minister for Defence, Deputy Simon Coveney, brought the matter to the attention of the House during an oral parliamentary questions session on 8 October 2015. I understand Roche has indicated that its decision is based on a commercial assessment. I also understand it indicated at the time that it was not aware of any withdrawal plans in other countries, particularly the United Kingdom. It was indicated that in some European countries Lariam had been withdrawn in the past owing to low demand.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 between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, IPHA, and the HSE.

The Defence Forces are aware of the range of reported side effects of anti-malarial medications. Significant precautions are taken by 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. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by medical officers in the Defence Forces. They have regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.

The Deputy is correct that a total of 50 claims have been received to date in respect of current or former members of the Defence Forces who allege personal injury as a consequence of their consumption of Lariam. Proceedings have been served in 38 of these cases. The State Claims Agency advises that, for whatever reason, seven individuals did not progress their cases. They were discontinued and are now statute barred. Regarding the remaining five cases, while claims have been received, High Court proceedings have not yet been served. Given that proceedings have been served in a number of these cases, it would be inappropriate to comment further on these matters.

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