Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Despite the Minister of State's statements, he is not in line with anything. He is substantially out of step with best international practice in this regard by continuing to prescribe this dangerous and discontinued drug as the first line of defence in providing anti-malarial vaccinations and assistance. He is just teeing up the State for massive payouts and damages in the future. The case for removing Lariam is probably iron-clad at this stage. Other jurisdictions have moved in that direction, and the Minister of State is lagging behind. His response on 2 May seemed to indicate that because we have a stockpile of the drug, we might as well use it and let it run out. That is completely wrong for members of the Defence Forces. It is completely out of sync with the majority of Deputies in this House who have signed a motion to say that this drug should be discontinued.

I ask the Minister of State to rethink a step that is not in keeping with the thinking of this House and best international practice.

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