Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the House will join me in congratulating the Dublin team on their back-to-back win on Saturday.

I raise the issue of the Government placing the health of members of the Defence Forces in jeopardy through the continued use of the anti-malaria drug, Lariam, which is issued to our troops who serve abroad. PDFORRA asked me to raise the issue. It is holding its annual conference in Cork where the matter will be further discussed. It acknowledges that this drug provides protection against malaria, but an alternative needs to be sourced and offered in line with UN guidelines. The Government, through its actions, is ignoring United Nations advice. Those in the United Nations know what they are talking about at this stage.

The side effects of Lariam include anxiety, depression, paranoia and suicidal behaviour. Many of those due to take these drugs will not do so and these side effects are the primary reason for not taking them. There are many cases backlogged in other countries and inquiries are taking place into the effects of Lariam on individual soldiers and their families.

There have been far too many medical scandals in this country regarding drugs.When concerns were highlighted in the past, they were ignored. There are 51 claims in regard to the use of Lariam at the moment. The Department continues to say there are no plans to withdraw the drug yet it has been withdrawn and taken off the market for safety purposes. I reiterate this decision is against the advice of the United Nations and is placing our Defence Forces at risk. I would ask the Department of Defence to be fully cognisant of this and to act now and provide a safe alternative.