Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The decision is, of course, a medical one, but it is a decision based on medical advice which the Defence Forces themselves take. As such, it is not a theoretical, abstract or political question. It is a factual medical situation. The Minister of State has stated in previous correspondence that there is a list of adverse reactions that would mandate the discontinuance of Lariam. I ask the Minister of State when the Defence Forces were first of the view that the specific listed side effects would necessitate the withdrawal of Lariam. The answer is a date or a year. The reason for this is that if someone presents with side effects which are deemed to be intolerable, he or she is told that Lariam will be discontinued and he or she will no longer be allowed to serve in places like sub-Saharan Africa. This is an area that has not been adequately or publicly defined previously. It is a simple matter or providing a date and time answer. That is not impacted on by litigation or anything like it. It is obviously based on medical knowledge.

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