Malaria drug puts Irish troops at risk, says PDForra

Irish soldiers are being put at risk of developing depression, confusion, extreme fear, and hallucinations because the Government still insists on giving them an anti- malaria drug on peacekeeping mission to Africa, against the advice of top UN medical experts.

The head of the organisation which represents the vast bulk of Defence Forces members says he is “concerned” that troops are still being given the drug, Lariam, because of its significant side-effects.

PDForra general secretary Gerry Rooney made his comments in advance of force’s annual general conference which gets under way in Co Cork today, which will primarily focus on poor pay and conditions being experienced by enlisted men in the Defence Forces.