Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have all known for some time that the use of the drug has caused, and still causes serious, problems for members of our Defence Forces. These are views that have been expressed by both current and retired members of the Defence Forces. Serious concerns have been raised for many years about the use of Lariam as an anti-malarial drug for members of the Defence Forces serving in Africa and in other areas where malaria is a problem. There have been serious indications that the drug can cause the risk of mental health problems. It is a huge issue. Last year, the British Ministry of Defence acknowledged that 1,000 ex-servicemen and women are suffering severe psychiatric and mental health problems as a result of being prescribed Lariam. Similarly, in 2013, an RTE investigation suggested there is a three to five times increased risk of suicide among Defence Forces personnel who have been prescribed the drug.

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