Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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57. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on a request sent to the director of the medical corps by a senior member of the Defence Forces in 2009 and 2010 for a medical risk assessment of the safety of Lariam to be carried out, including a comparative survey of personnel returning from Chad and Kosovo (details supplied), which was not acceded to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39706/16]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, 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 relation to the documents referred to by the Deputy, I note that only one of the documents was addressed to the Director Medical Branch.

In relation to that document or indeed any documents sent to the Director Medical Branch, it is a matter for the Director to assess and consider in his professional capacity as clinical advisor the content of such documents. I note that the Director responded to the issue, when it came to his attention, clearly outlining his considerations at the time.

I am also advised by the military authorities that risk assessments are carried out for all mission areas. These risk assessments are intended to identify all hazards that might exist in a mission area, including health risks. Suitable control measures are then put in place to minimise identified risks. Where a health risk is identified the control measures will include preventative medication where appropriate.

Where malaria has been identified as a risk in a particular mission area, the choice of chemoprophylaxis medication is dependent on a number of factors including the type of malaria in the destination, resistance to particular drugs, the profile of the traveller (contra-indications, underlying health conditions, purpose of travel), the duration of travel and adherence issues.

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 Defence Forces.

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 i.e. a medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis.

The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me and the Defence Forces. The use of and the information on medications is kept under ongoing review.