Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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216. To ask the Minister for Defence in the context of his comments on 9 June 2015 in the course of discussions at Question Time on the continued prescribing of Lariam when he said he was open to changing his opinion on this matter, how he intends to do that if he is not prepared to commission specific medical advice on the matter, make that advice publicly available and indicate a timeframe for same. [27228/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As already indicated by me to the Deputy on 25th June last, the health, welfare and safety of Defence Forces personnel is a priority. Malaria is a very serious disease. It kills approximately 1 million people per year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. It is a grave threat to any military force operating in that area. Let me be clear to the Deputy in relation to previous statements regarding Lariam. I have an open mind on the matter. However the Deputy must appreciate that any proposed change to the current policy would have to be considered on foot of medical advice or any changes in respect of the product authorisation or usage by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), formerly the Irish Medicines Board. The choice of medication 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. That position has not changed. As the Deputy will be aware, the HPRA is the statutory authority with responsibility for quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland. The Defence Forces policy, in relation to the use of anti-malaria medication, including Lariam, is in line with current HPRA approved summary of product characteristics (SmPC).

Former Ministers for Defence have had the various allegations surrounding the use of Lariam investigated thoroughly and obtained the advice of leading medical experts, who concurred with the prescribing practices followed by the Defence Forces.

Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam are licensed by the HPRA. Lariam must remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel serving on appropriate overseas missions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa. This is to seek to ensure effective protection for such personnel from malaria and from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.