Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 74 together.

Malaria is a serious disease which killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015, with 90% of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. As reported by the World Health Organization, it is a serious threat to any military force operating in the area. Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam, remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the medical corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions. This is to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risk posed by malaria. Significant precautions are taken by the Irish Defence Forces and 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 Irish Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability. The objective is to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risk posed by malaria. The health and welfare of the Defence Forces are a priority for me. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by the medical officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Irish Defence Forces. I am advised that the policy of the Defence Forces on the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis, including the use of Lariam, is in line with United Nations and World Health Organization guidelines.

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