Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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677. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status regarding the Defence Forces' use of the drug Lariam; if a distinction was made as to which serving members of the Defence Forces were provided with the drug; if the Defence Forces will continue to use the drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39645/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me and the Defence Forces. Malaria is a serious disease which killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015, with 90% of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa as reported by the World Health Organisation.  It is a serious threat to any military force operating in the area.

There are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, for both officers and enlisted personnel, 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 Irish Defence Forces. Rank is not a consideration.

Significant precautions are taken by Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of our 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.

There are no plans at this time to withdraw Lariam from the range of anti-malarial medications available to the Defence Forces.  The use of and the information on medications is kept under ongoing review. Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam, remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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678. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the broad range of studies demonstrating the neurotoxic effects of mefloquine, Lariam, (details supplied) have been reviewed and taken into account by the chief medical officer in coming to the conclusion that the benefits of Lariam as a first line anti-malarial for the Defence Forces outweigh the costs. [39772/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Director Medical Branch provides military medical advice to the Chief of Staff and the General Staff and is responsible for clinical governance and the development of clinical policy, medical education and training in the Defence Forces. In this context, I am advised that the Director Medical Branch is aware of a broad range of studies relating to Lariam and indeed he is also aware of studies relating to the alternative anti-malarial medications and their side effects and contraindications.

The Deputy will be aware that the choice of medication for overseas deployment, is a medical decision made by the Medical Officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member.

Significant precautions are taken by Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of our 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. Lariam remains in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by malaria.

There are no plans at this time to withdraw Lariam from the range of anti-malarial medications available to the Defence Forces. The use of and the information on medications is kept under ongoing review.

The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for myself and the Defence Forces and this remains the case.