Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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32. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Defence Forces missions are planned to Mali; if so, the number to be deployed; if Lariam has been purchased for the purposes of the deployment; if so, the quantities of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36675/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is contributing troops to the European Union Training mission in Mali since 2013 and our current contribution stands at twenty (20) personnel. Continued participation in this mission supports Irelands ongoing obligations to international peace and security and the commitment to maintaining the Defence Forces capabilities in international operations.

The choice of medication for overseas deployment 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.

I am advised that pharmaceuticals are purchased by the Defence Forces on a demand basis.