Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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252. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on a statement made by the German Minister of Defence (details supplied) regarding Lariam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2193/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The choice of malaria chemoprophylaxis for use by other armed forces is an internal matter for those forces. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on another State’s policy in this regard. 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 Irish Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The choice of medication 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 am advised that Mefloquine is listed by the World Health Organisation in its International Travel and Health Handbook as one of the anti-malarial drugs for use as prophylaxis. The use of and 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 me and the Defence Forces.