Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 2: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has received correspondence from legal counsel of current or former members of the Defence Forces regarding the use of Lariam. [24524/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that the State Claims Agency has received such correspondence. However, considering that legal proceedings have been instituted the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on individual cases other than to say that legal proceedings have been served in respect of four of these claims.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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I understand the position the Minister is in now that legal proceedings have commenced. I wish to put a general question relating to the use of Lariam. In answer to a previous question I submitted the Minister stated that all personnel were screened prior to overseas deployment. The Minister further stated there was a probationary period of between three and four weeks during which personnel received medication before being deployed overseas to establish how they reacted to the medication. Perhaps the Minister has the answer available now and, if not, perhaps he will pass it on to me. How many personnel have been in receipt of Lariam? How many of these were deemed unsuitable after having commenced the taking of Lariam? How many personnel were ruled out of overseas deployment as a result of being unsuitable because of Lariam?

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I do not have the exact statistics or the numbers who have received Lariam because, as the Deputy is aware, it has been used for some years. I will make inquiries, however, to establish if I can get the information the Deputy has sought.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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A process has been put in place by the Department now that legal proceedings have commenced. What is the next step for the Department? Will the accusations or allegations be contested? What process will be put in place by the Department to answer these?

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Once proceedings are issued the matter is dealt with by the State Claims Agency. Obviously, the claims made by those who have taken proceedings will be carefully considered and examined. The background files and medical history will be considered. Any available information with regard to the use of Lariam or, in respect of the individuals concerned, any records that may exist of any contra-indications with regard to their taking of Lariam, will be examined. The Deputy will be familiar with the fact that a procedure was in place with regard to the giving of Lariam to individuals in the context of checking into their historical medical background and whether they suffered from depression or any other health issue which would have given rise to a contra-indication to the effect that it was not an appropriate drug for them to take.

I expect and understand that each case will be examined based on its merits. I expect the usual medical reports will be sought, such as those that occur in litigation of this nature. The matter will be dealt with in a manner that is in the interests of the State and also in the interests of ensuring that the truth of the claims made is known. It will be dealt with in an appropriate manner based on due consideration of the background circumstances.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Are the claims from individuals or families?

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As I understand it, they are from individuals.