Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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13. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will outline the situation regarding the former use of lariam in the Defence Forces; the status of any court cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9468/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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There are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the 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.

A Working Group reviewed the Defence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis and to ensure that the procedures in relation to this continue to be appropriate and in accordance with the best international practice. It 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. An Implementation Group was established to implement these recommendations.

Significant precautions are taken by 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, including a medical risk assessment for Lariam. I am advised that the Defence Forces Medical Services are available to any personnel who may have, or who believe they may have been adversely affected by any medication.

The State Claims Agency manages personal injury claims on behalf of the Minister for Defence. These cases relate to a broad range of issues arising as a result of military service. There are a number of claims made by members and former members of the Defence Forces who allege personal injury as a result of their consumption of Mefloquine (Lariam), which are at various stages of the litigation process. However, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further in circumstances where these matters are the subject of litigation.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces remains a high priority for me and the military authorities.