Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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591. To ask the Minister for Defence the number of malarone tablets was issued by medical personnel to soldiers serving oversea since 2000. [36149/13]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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592. To ask the Minister for Defence if there was a distinction by ranks when dispensing Larium or alternative to soldiers and officers serving on missions in Liberia. [36150/13]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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593. To ask the Minister for Defence if the documents signed by COs, NCOs or other ranks assenting to taking the anti-malaria drugs whether it was Larium or in case or some Malarone, have been retained and if they are part of the individual soldier's medical file. [36151/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 591 to 593, inclusive, together.

The Military authorities advise that records are only available for Malarone tablets purchased since February 2006. Between 2^nd February 2006 and 16^th July 2013 1,804 boxes of Malarone have been purchased by the Brigade Medical Service. Each box contains 12 tablets. Information is currently being compiled on the number of tablets issued and I will forward this collated information to the Deputy when it becomes available.

There was no distinction by ranks when dispensing Lariam or alternatives to soldiers and officers when serving on missions in Liberia or any other location. The decision on the malaria chemoprophylactic agent is dictated not by rank but depends on the risk and type of malaria in the destination, resistance to particular drugs, the profile of the traveller (contra-indications, underlying health conditions, purpose of travel), the duration of travel and adherence issues and the mission in question.

There is no provision on an individual soldier's medical file to record or specifically give his/her assent to any of the vaccinations or other medical elements for overseas service.