Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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103. To ask the Minister for Defence to set out the risk assessments the Defence Forces took to treat known side effects of Lariam from 2001 onwards. [38501/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, 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. The Defence Forces are aware of the range of reported side effects attaching to all anti-malarial medications. Significant precautions are taken by the Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability, i.e. a medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis. All personnel have access to either an Irish military Medical Officer or to the UN provided medical service (depending on the particular mission) while overseas, to whom they could report any complaints, including potential side effects of any medications. Where a Medical Officer (MO) forms the opinion that the individual has developed a sensitivity to Lariam while overseas, the individual will be advised to cease taking the medication and substitute it with a ‘second-line’ chemoprophylactic agent. The individual will be monitored thereafter.  Ultimately, if serious enough, repatriation could be necessary if the MO felt that the individual was either not responding satisfactorily or where the symptoms were so severe as to require treatment not readily available in the Mission area. The individual’s file will also be noted to indicate that the individual had developed sensitivity to Lariam, so that it should not be prescribed again. If the individual’s symptoms permit completion of the tour of duty, monitoring can be arranged on return to Ireland if required.  In addition, it should be noted that all Defence Forces personnel are subject to a repatriation medical examination.

In relation to the general medical health of members of the Defence Forces, there is a wide range of supports available, including access to Medical, Psychiatric and Psychological specialists. In addition, Welfare services and information are provided by the Personnel Support Services and there is also a 24 hour confidential support helpline available to all Defence Force personnel.

Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam, remains in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas mission, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by Malaria.