Lariam: Why is drug linked to suicide still being given to soldiers?

DEFENCE Minister Alan Shatter has been accused of a cover up over allegations arising from the controversial anti-malaria drug Lariam.

In a heated exchange in the Dáil on Oct 17, Fianna Fáil’s defence spokesperson Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD claimed the Minister’s decision not to publish a report on Lariam gave “the impression there is something to hide on the part of the Department of Defence”.

The Minister set up the Working Group on Malaria Chemoprophylaxis in 2011 to investigate claims made by former and serving members of the Defence Forces that they have suffered serious, long-term side-effects after being given Lariam (generic name mefloquine) while on United Nations duty in Africa.