Irish soldiers should be given a choice of whether to use a controversial anti-malaria drug, according to the group that represents Irish Defence Forces.

PD Forra is reacting to criticism by a British Defence Committee over use of the drug Lariam, which has severe side effects like depression, suicidal ideation and hallucinations.

The drug is also used for the Irish Defence Forces on overseas missions.

The General Secretary of PD Forra, Gerry Rooney, has said the UN recommends that an alternative drug be used for soldiers that get the side effects, and Ireland should follow that advice: “I suppose in the first instance we would say you know the UN system that is you know Lariam would be used for people who it is suitable to use it for.

“The other alternatives would be freely available for use particularly for people who are Lariam sensitive.”

Anthony Moore from Drimnagh in Dublin – was put on Lariam when he served with the Irish army in Liberia and Chad – up to 2008.

He still feels the side effects today: “When I first got it, it was swelling of the hands, pins and needles, and muscle spasms.

“There would have been a whole range of physical problems and then I start getting the mental problems, mood swings, aggression, paranoia, suicide thoughts.”