Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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33. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider launching a full investigation into possible negative health effects of drugs used on members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33817/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, I want to assure the deputy that the military authorities and I place high priority on the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces.

The provision of medicines is an integral part of the medical service provided to members of the Defence Forces. I am informed that the range of medications used by the Defence Forces, and the effects of those medications, is kept under review by the Medical Corps. It is the policy of the Defence Forces’ Medical Corps to follow best practice in relation to prescribing and dispensing all medicines to members of the Defence Forces. I am informed that all drugs are prescribed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines/instructions.

In the circumstances, I am satisfied with the controls surrounding the prescribing and dispensing of drugs in the Defence Forces and I have no plans to launch an investigation into possible negative effects of prescribed drugs on members of the Defence Forces.