Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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16. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has reviewed the recent settlement in a Defence Forces lariam damages case and is giving consideration to a redress and compensation scheme for members of the Defence Forces harmed by lariam in view of the outcome of that case. [3350/18]

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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35. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces prescribing policy in regard to lariam as the first choice anti-malarial will change in view of the recent substantial settlements in cases here and in the United Kingdom for army lariam damage. [3349/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 35 together.

As I have indicated to this House in the past, fundamentally the choice of malaria chemoprophylaxis for use in the Defence Forces is a medical matter that should be decided by qualified medical professionals. In the Defence Forces these are decisions for highly qualified Medical Officers, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.

As the Deputy is aware, a Working Group was re-convened to review developments arising in relation to malaria chemoprophylaxis and the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation. The Working Group has produced its Second Report which has been provided to me. As previously advised, the Working Group was convened in the context of current and potential litigation and is therefore legally privileged. It has made a total of twelve recommendations, which are intended to ensure that the Defence Forces medical policies and practices continually develop in light of best practice. I have accepted these recommendations in principle whilst recognising that certain of these recommendations will need to be further developed to allow for their implementation.

Whilst acknowledging that the Report is legally privileged in the context of litigation, I can confirm that many of its recommendations focus on areas including planning, training and education/information sharing as well as the establishment of a Medical Advisory Group. As I already indicated, proposals will be developed further in relation to the establishment of this new Medical Advisory Group. This will formalise the provision of on-going expert advice, including external expert medical advice, to the Defence Forces in relation to a range of medical matters including malaria chemoprophylaxis.

There are three anti-malarial drugs , namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline which continue to be used by the Defence Forces. The selection by a Medical Officer of the most appropriate drug for use is a complex one and dependant on a number of factors. All of these anti-malaria drugs have contraindications and side effects. 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. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability.

The Deputy will also be aware that the State Claims Agency manages Personal Injury claims on behalf of the Department of Defence. The Lariam case referred to by the Deputy was settled on 30th November 2017 without admission of liability. The Plaintiff withdrew any part of his claim in relation to the choice by the Defendants of Lariam as a chemoprophylactic. All other matters are settled and the case was struck out. You will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any individual cases, either ongoing or finalised. There are no plans to introduce a compensation scheme in relation to this matter.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a key priority for me and the Defence Forces.