Written answers

Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Medicinal Products

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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694. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Lariam tablets and other anti-malaria drugs issued to Defence Forces personnel for the duration of overseas deployments since 2015, in tabular form. [16640/17]

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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695. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the remaining number of lariam and other anti-malaria drugs that are presently stockpiled to be used for Defence Forces personnel when deployed overseas. [16641/17]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 694 and 695 together.

I am advised by the military authorities that the following table reflects the number of Lariam (Mefloquine), Doxycycline and Malarone tablets issued to Defence Forces personnel for the duration of overseas deployments since 2015 and the amount of anti- malaria drugs in stock at present.

Quantities on anti-malaria drugs issued and in stocksince 2015:

Drug Quantity of anti-malaria drugs issued since 2015 Quantity of anti-malaria drugs in stock
Lariam 2,829 tablets 158 tablets
Malarone 1,409 tablets 0
Doxycycline (110 mg) 10,137 capsules 3,491 capsules

I am advised by the military authorities that drugs are purchased on a demand basis under the four year framework agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines. This agreement is between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the HSE. The Deputy should note that Doxycycline 100mg  is a broad spectrum antibiotic and is the treatment of choice for many infections in addition to being an anti-malarial. Both Malarone and Doxycycline require a daily usage while Lariam requires a weekly dosage.

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