Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As previously advised, the report of the working group on malaria chemoprophylaxis was convened in the context of current and potential litigation and is therefore legally privileged and will not be published. The working group has made a total of 12 recommendations, which are intended to ensure that the Defence Forces' medical policies and practices continually develop in light of best practice. I have accepted these recommendations in principle but recognise that some need further development before implementation.

Whilst acknowledging that the report is legally privileged in the context of litigation, I can confirm that many of its recommendations focus on areas including planning, training and education-information sharing as well as the establishment of a medical advisory group. As I already indicated, proposals will be developed further in relation to the establishment of this new medical advisory group. This will formalise the provision of ongoing expert advice, including external expert medical advice, to the Defence Forces in relation to a range of medical matters including malaria chemoprophylaxis.

I assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces personnel is a key priority for me and the Defence Forces.

See this speech in context