Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

It is estimated that the conflict in Darfur has affected 3.6 million people, including 1.8 million internally displaced persons and 200,000 exiled to Chad. Some 200,000 are dead. With this in mind, I am disappointed that we are so stretched we will be unable to contribute to the possible expansion of a peacekeeping force in the region. However, I commend the Minister of State on current efforts. We have to give credit where credit is due.

In view of today's announcement by the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, regarding a new task force of specialists being set up to enter regions in greatest need, will some of the people concerned, when recruited, be sent to Darfur? What discussions have taken place to date on the allocation of specialists to the region?

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