Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While it is hoped the risk of developing an adverse reaction to a medication will diminish with time, there is no guarantee that this will happen.

One could certainly develop an adverse reaction to penicillin for no obvious reasons, having taken it for years. Where the medical officer forms the opinion that an individual has developed a sensitivity to Lariam while overseas, the individual will be advised to cease taking the medication and substitute it with another agent. The individual would be monitored to ensure that symptoms subside. Appropriate anti-systemic medication may be required in the interim and appropriate restrictions would be placed on duties. Ultimately, if serious enough, repatriation may be necessary if the medical officer felt that the individual was either not responding satisfactorily or that the symptoms are so severe as to require treatment not readily available in the mission area. An individual's file will indicate that the individual has developed sensitivity to Lariam so that it should not be prescribed again. If the individual's circumstances permit completion of the tour of duty, monitoring can be arranged on return to Ireland if required.

Choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by the medical officer in the Defence Forces. I am satisfied, as Minister of State with responsibility for defence, that Lariam is the most suitable drug for overseas missions.

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