Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy had many questions. I will deal with the Lariam issue first. It is important to emphasise that malaria is a serious disease that has killed hundreds of thousands people. We need to protect our troops when they are in malaria zones in different parts of the world. Let me be very clear with the House, however, that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is the utmost priority for both the Government and the military authorities. I am advised there are three anti-malaria drugs. I remember looking at this issue when I was in the Department of Defence and speaking to many of the families with concerns regarding the use of Lariam in the past.

The choice of medication for deployment overseas for both officers and enlisted personnel, including the use of Lariam and other drugs, is a medical decision made by medical officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces. In other words, it depends on how long members of the Defence Forces will be in a region and what the medical advice is regarding the appropriate use of drugs in respect of frequency, etc. A working group reviewed the Defence Forces approach regarding these drugs to ensure procedures continue to be appropriate and in accordance with international best practice. I also remember reading a number of reports from other countries relating to the use of Lariam or other drugs.

A further case has been listed for hearing in the High Court on 7 May. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on individual cases given litigation is pending. This has, however, been an ongoing debate for many years, with which I and other Ministers have been confronted. The approach of the Government and the current Minister is to try to ensure we are acting on the best advice of doctors and medical personnel, inside and outside the Defence Forces, regarding working groups and protecting the health of our soldiers. That is the only motivation we have on any policy regarding the use of Lariam or other drugs to combat the dangers of malaria.

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