Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2016
677. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the Defence Forces' use of the drug Lariam; if a distinction was made as to which serving members of the Defence Forces were provided with the drug; if the Defence Forces will continue to use the drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39645/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me and the Defence Forces. Malaria is a serious disease which killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015, with 90% of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa as reported by the World Health Organisation. It is a serious threat to any military force operating in the area.
There are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, for both officers and enlisted personnel, 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 Irish Defence Forces. Rank is not a consideration.
Significant precautions are taken by Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of our 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.
There are no plans at this time to withdraw Lariam from the range of anti-malarial medications available to the Defence Forces. The use of and the information on medications is kept under ongoing review. Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam, remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
