Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I thank all Members of the House for taking this motion so expeditiously, for their contributions and for recognising the importance of Ireland's and the Defence Forces' contributions to international peace and security. As I outlined in my initial presentation, this is an extremely important mission for the EU and Ireland.

The proposed EU operation will be undertaken under UN authorisation and will be the largest EU mission yet to be deployed. The Defences Forces will welcome the kind sentiments of the Deputies and their praise for the difficult work they undertake in furtherance of international peace. Ireland's contribution to this mission is a clear manifestation of the importance the Government attaches to the development of EU capabilities in the areas of crisis management and peacekeeping in support of the United Nations.

I will not have time to deal with all the points made by Deputies. Deputy Deenihan raised the issue of airlift capabilities. As I explained last week during Question Time, this will come about in two ways. We have an arrangement with commercial aircraft and our partners in missions sometimes get involved. At present, air support to the mission is being addressed at EU level. Appropriate re-supply arrangements for all troops will form part of the planning process for the mission which will be co-ordinated by General Nash. Planning for the mission is in the early stages. Requirements for strategic lift, tactical lift by helicopter and close air support will be examined as part of the risk assessment.

Deputy Coveney requested that reports made by General Nash during the build-up to the operation should be laid before the Dáil. I understand the recommendations of the operational commander are made to the political and security committee of the EU Council, not to me. I will inquire as to whether it is possible to obtain those reports and if so have them laid before the Dáil.

Deputy Coveney also raised the matter of a proper deployment for Darfur and I agree with what he stated. The projected size of this mission is approximately 30,000 troops, mainly from the African continent.

Deputy O'Shea requested an assurance that people under 18 years of age will not be involved in hostilities. Army regulations prevent people under 18 years of age from being sent abroad. I reiterate the assurance I gave last week that there is no circumstance under which people under the age of 18 can be actively involved in hostilities.

Deputy O'Shea also wondered whether we would continue after one year if it was strongly recommended that we do so. The situation will be reviewed in approximately six months and we will consider the outcome of the review. It is likely that a continuation after the initial 12-month period would involve a UN-led mission rather than an EU mission. Deputy O'Shea and other Deputies were concerned that every possible precaution be taken to ensure the safety of our troops and they can rest assured this will be done.

Deputy Chris Andrews was concerned about troops being deployed on foreign soil and the difficulties to which this gives rise. The EU operation is authorised by the United Nations. Just as importantly, it is at the request of the Governments of Chad and the Central African Republic. There is no question of the force being deployed unilaterally by western countries or previous colonial powers. The operation has no role in supporting the Chadean Government. Its sole role is to protect refugees.

Deputy Barrett is unhappy with the idea that certain people can opt out from common costs, but if they do so they must opt out at Council. To date we have no record of anyone opting out in this way. I take on board the Deputy's point. Deputy Timmins reminded us of the risk and the fact that this mission and responsibility should not be undertaken lightly. We should not presume the outcome of the risk assessment or further Government decisions regarding troops. We do not want to pre-empt those. If there is a decision to deploy, that will be discussed fully by the Dáil.

Deputy Timmins also raised the main responsibilities of the mission. I dealt with that matter on the last day at Question Time, but I will deal with it again when discussing the actual deployment.

I thank Members for their contributions and the very constructive tone of the debate. People have given me some suggestions that we can usefully look at. I commend the motion to the House. I remind Members that the motion is to approve the appointment of Major General Nash as the force commander. We will come back to the House if we are deploying troops.

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