Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

Tá áthas orm thar cheann Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre ár lán-thacaíocht a thabhairt don rún an-tábhachtach seo.

Is onóir mhór í do na Fórsaí Cosanta agus don tír go mbeidh Ceannasaí Oibríochtaí Éireannach le haghaidh oibríocht mhíleata beartaithe ag an AE i bPoblacht Shead agus i bPoblacht na hAfraice Lár agus líon nach mó ná ceithre bhaill fóirne ina theannta. Léiríonn sé seo stádas na hÉireann san Aontas Eorpach i leith oibreachtaí den tsórt seo. Tá gach dealramh ar an scéal go mbeidh saighdiúirí de chuid na hÉireann páirteach san oibríocht mhíleata seo agus cé go mbeidh deacrachtaí móra ag baint leis an oibríocht mhíleata, tá gach dóchas againn go n-éireoidh go maith leis an gCeannasaí Oibríochta, an Maor Ghinearál Pat Nash le saighdiúirí na tíre seo agus le gach dream eile a bheidh páirteach.

Os rud é go bhfuil Ceannasaí Oibríochta Éireannach ar an oibríocht mhíleata seo, tá súil ag na húdaráis go mbeidh níos mó tíortha den Aontas Eorpach toilteanach páirt a ghlacadh san oibríochta i Sead agus i bPoblacht na hAfraice Láir.

It is a matter of pride for me on behalf of the Labour Party to fully support the motion to approve the despatch of Major General Pat Nash to take up the position of operations commander for the proposed EU military operation in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic, with up to four support staff, for service with MINURCAT. The MINURCAT mission was established by the UN Security Council with the unanimous adoption of Resolution 1778 (2007) for a period of one year. The mission will be multi-dimensional to help strengthen security in the Chad-Central African Republic region. The fact that the authorities of Chad and the Central African Republic have welcomed a possible EU military presence is positive and encouraging.

There are 240,000 Sudanese refugees in 12 camps in eastern Chad. These have fled from the fighting in Darfur. There are more than 170,000 internally displaced persons, IDPs, in Chad. There is also the issue of civilians in danger in Chad. There are water and firewood shortages, for instance, and a serious problem as regards lack of respect for and the rape of women. The intention is to have the operation fully functional by the end of next January, with the initial operation capability on the ground in December. That is an ambitious target, but I believe it can be met, bearing in mind the calibre of the person who has been nominated as operations commander.

Major General Pat Nash will be based in Paris. He is to immediately take up leadership of the operation. As the Minister pointed out, his appointment is contingent on today's motion being passed as well as a further motion being sanctioned at European level. He will be the link between the operation and MINURCAT and the EU and the UN. While as yet no decision has been taken as regards the Irish Defence Forces' contingent participating in MINURCAT, I believe this is something that is likely to happen. The decision will arise in the context of the reconnaissance mission report becoming available.

I compliment the Minister on his foresight in sending the Chief of Staff on a reconnaissance mission, departing this week, to get the earliest possible knowledge about what the operation will entail. A Government decision will obviously be necessary in terms of the 350 likely to take part in this mission and a further motion of approval by the Dáil, by which stage we will have a great deal more detail of logistical and other considerations that will be part of the deployment.

In Resolution 1778, the UN Security Council reiterates its concern that ongoing violence in Darfur, eastern Chad and north-eastern Central African Republic might further negatively affect the region. The Chad initiative will complement the planned UN-African Union hybrid mission. The hybrid mission is being launched by the UN in Sudan Darfur. It will limit the spillover potential from the conflict in Sudan. On the security and protection of civilians, the multi-dimensional MINURCAT presence in liaison with the UN country team is to train, advise and facilitate support for the PTPH, the policing concept of the Secretary General of the United Nations. The PTPH will be dedicated exclusively to maintaining law and order in refugee camps, sites with concentrations of IDPs and key towns in neighbouring regions as well as securing humanitarian activities. The Government of Chad is to be encouraged to set up the PTPH, with emphasis on the urgent need to provide logistical and financial support for it.

The MINURCAT mandate will include liaising with the national army, gendarmerie and police forces, the nomads, national guard, judicial authorities and prison officials in Chad and in the Central African Republic in regard to contributing to the creation of a more secure environment. The mandate includes liaising with the UNHCR and the Government of Chad to support efforts to relocate refugee camps in close proximity to the border and to provide logistical assistance for the UNHCR. The exchange of information on emerging threats to humanitarian activities with relevant governments, unions of states and other agencies will be part of the close liaison envisaged by the UN Security Council resolution.

The UN resolution focuses on human rights and the rule of law, paying particular attention to sexual and gender-based violence, the strengthening of civil society and ending the use of children by armed groups. Last week in the Dáil, the Minister assured us, in response to a question I had tabled relating to the report of the Ombudsman for Children, that there was still some doubt as to whether persons under 18 could become involved in hostilities. In the Irish context, that would probably be restricted to the details in regard to the movement of cash and prisoners. I was very pleased, however, that the Minister gave a categorical assurance that no person under 18 in the Irish Defence Forces would be so exposed. In that context we have absolutely clean hands in terms of moving towards this terrible practice of having children involved with armed groups.

The Security Council resolution authorises the European Union operation in liaison with the Governments of Chad and the Central African Republic: in addition to contributing to protecting civilians in danger, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, the free movement of humanitarian personnel and to protect UN facilities, installations and equipment. MINURCAT is to achieve an orderly disengagement at the end of the period of operation. The initial period of operation is for one year. Does the Minister envisage that it might be deemed appropriate to extend the mission as the end of the year approaches if the prospects for achieving the objective are positive? Would he be favourable to such an extension, in the event?

MINURCAT is to achieve that orderly disengagement. The multi-dimensional mission addresses a most daunting task. The UN military operation will provide major support services. The fact that the deputy chief of staff of the Defence Forces has been nominated to the role of operations commander is indicative of the excellent contribution of Ireland and the Defence Forces to other UN missions over many years. It is fair to say that it is widely recognised not least by the missions where people were well served by the Irish and the recipients of what was provided by the Irish forces. These operations are complex, requiring sensitivity, professionalism, patience and a basic desire to make the world a better place for everybody. This mission will enhance the standing and perception of Ireland and its Defence Forces internationally but, more importantly, it will significantly contribute in a lasting way to the security and protection of civilians, human rights and the rule of law.

At least 200,000 people have died in Darfur while more than 2 million have been forced to leave their homes. Indeed, there have been reports in recent weeks of such happenings. Next year, the UN and the African Union will jointly deploy the world's largest peacekeeping force — a force of 26,000 — to Darfur. Hopefully, this force will substantially reduce the overspill into the Republic of Chad by its contribution to bringing about peace in Darfur.

On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish Major General Nash, all other military personnel and other personnel who will be involved in this mission every success. It is a most challenging undertaking not least because people's lives will be at risk and people risk very serious injury, but that is part of the military way. However, I am sure every possible precaution will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of our troops are observed at all times.

When the Minister referred to Ireland as an affluent western country, I had to dwell on that point, but it is true. This is the most expensive mission ever undertaken by Ireland. The Minister is right that we are now in a position to make a real and substantial contribution in respect of this terrible human tragedy. Effectively, we will deal with the overspill in the context of Chad and the Central African Republic. However, as I said, there are now indictions of measures being undertaken which should bring about substantial change for the better in Darfur.

My colleague and the Minister's constituency colleague, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, told me earlier that she was part of a parliamentary delegation which went to Lebanon in recent times and that the commander there was Major General Pat Nash. She spoke about how well this all-female delegation was received by Major General Nash. She also told me that he happens to be a Limerick person.

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