Written answers

Tuesday, 26 January 2016

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Medicinal Products

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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254. To ask the Minister for Defence if he has received the report of the working group on the use of Lariam in the Defence Forces; and if he will outline its contents. [2954/16]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that I am currently awaiting the report of the Group and its findings.

As I indicated to the House previously, this group re-convened in August 2015. The purpose of the Group is to review issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation; to review and confirm the Defence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis in the Defence Forces; and to ensure that the procedures in relation thereto continue to be appropriate and in accordance with best medical practice as promulgated by the relevant medical authorities. In addition, the Group is now reviewing the use of the drug Primaquine as part of the overall medical treatment process for those deployed to malarious areas.

The Group is also reviewing developments in the context of the Defence Forces use of malaria chemoprophylaxis with particular focus on updated patient safety information, changes to Summary Product Characteristics, changes in product licensing/authorisation, identification of any new anti-malarial medications on the market and national and international expert advices on the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis and its usage in other Armed Forces.

The Group originally reported in 2013. As I have previously advised the House, the Report was produced in the context of current and potential litigation and is, therefore, legally privileged. Any further report prepared by the re-convened Group will also be produced in the context of current and potential litigation and will, therefore, be legally privileged.

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