Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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97. To ask the Minister for Defence if genetic tests for the gene G6PD (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) were carried out on all Irish soldiers who returned from duty in Africa; and if so, if permission was given for the tests by those tested. [12300/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (or G6PD) deficiency is an enzyme deficiency for which all inductees (Recruits and Cadets) are now tested at their induction medical. If the result is normal, then there is no need for these personnel to be tested again.

Defence Forces personnel who are to deploy to a malarious area and who have not previously been tested for G6PD deficiency are tested for same prior to being found fit for deployment overseas. Personnel need only be tested once for the deficiency.

Defence Forces personnel sign an undertaking at attestation stating that they are willing to be vaccinated, re-vaccinated, inoculated and to have blood or other body fluids extracted under medical supervision for any purpose including blood grouping, blood transfusion, HIV testing and drugs screening.