Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Malaria is a very serious disease and is a serious threat to any military force operating in areas where the disease is prevalent. First and foremost, the decision on which anti-malarial drug to use must be one for medical professionals. This House should not prescribe to doctors what medications they can or cannot provide to their patients. On such matters the priority should always be the health and well-being of the men and women of the Defence Force who serve Ireland with distinction.

The Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, has outlined the significant precautions that are taken by medical officers in the Defence Forces when assessing the medical suitability of an individual to take any of the anti-malaria medications. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for overseas service and medical suitability. The medical procedures involved in assessing personnel before deployment are designed to ensure that personnel who may be contra-indicated or sensitive to Lariam are not prescribed it.

The House has been informed that a working group is currently examining developments in the context of the Defence Forces' use of malaria chemoprophylaxis. The group is continuing to engage with national and international experts. Its second report is due shortly and I look forward to this report being provided to the Minister. I know that he will consider the group's recommendations. I welcome confirmation that the group is considering options to formalise the provision of ongoing external medical advice. That will ensure the Defence Forces policy on malaria chemoprophylaxis continues to be kept under ongoing review.

While speaking on this topic, I wish to take this opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge Ireland's contribution to international peacekeeping. We have a long and honourable tradition of supporting the United Nations in the cause of peace, stability and security. The Defence Forces have brought great honour to this country through their participation in peace support operations. I pay tribute to those serving and former members of the Defence Forces for the important role they have played in this country's contribution to peacekeeping missions and to remember the 86 members of the Permanent Defence Force who have paid the ultimate price in the cause of peace.

As a member of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence I acknowledging the valuable peacekeeping role that our Defence Forces play overseas. It is important that we do all we can to provide them with effective protection from any diseases they are likely to encounter in the course of their duties. I hope we do not underestimate the seriousness of contracting malaria. Anti-malaria medications remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the medical corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by malaria. The discussion of these matters in this forum when there is ongoing litigation and particularly when the first court case is due for hearing next week, certainly limits any discussion that may be had. I welcome the Minister of State's indication that the working group is considering options to formalise the provision of ongoing external medical advice. We should all be mindful that any decision on what medication to prescribe is a matter for doctors, not Deputies.

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