Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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1330. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 9 November 2016, if he considers the development of the potential side effects of mefloquine, listed in the boxed warning, to be either minor and tolerable or intolerable (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12849/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The choice of medication for overseas deployment, 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. The Defence Forces are aware of the range of reported side effects attaching to all anti-malarial medications. Significant precautions are taken by the Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications, including identification of any contraindications and assessment of any reported side effects that may occur. While overseas, all personnel have access to either an Irish military Medical Officer or to the UN provided medical service (depending on the particular mission) to whom they could report any complaints, including potential side effects of any medications.