Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I have already provided the background information on this mission in my response to Question No. 2.

As the planning for the mission is currently ongoing, I am not in a position at this stage to provide detailed projected costs of possible Defence Forces participation in the EU operation. However, I can confirm that the costs will be significant. Given the isolation of the mission area and difficulty with the land routes — CHAD is landlocked and nearly 2,000 km from the nearest port facility — the deployment and sustainment of the operation will have to be mainly by air. In addition, the provision of suitably equipped sites, provision of airstrip etc., will be required. More information on the associated costs of participation in the mission will be available when the report of the reconnaissance mission is provided to the Minister for Defence. The Government will be advised accordingly when the formal decision on participation in the force is presented for consideration.

The financing of the operation will be dealt with in the context of the Estimates process, which is ongoing. All EU member states, irrespective of participation, will contribute to the common costs of the operation, unless they specifically opt out of doing so at Council. Common costs are payable, in accordance with EU Council Decision of 17 June 2002, through the ATHENA mechanism, which is responsible at EU level for the collection of member states contributions and disbursement of monies received in respect of operational common costs. Each troop contributing nation also meets its own nation borne costs while direct operational costs for members contributing personnel are met on a "costs lie where they fall" basis.

In the event that it is ultimately decided to participate with 350 to 400 troops in the mission, the combination of common costs and nation borne costs may make this the most expensive mission ever undertaken by the Defence Forces. I mentioned that earlier.

The Minister expects to bring proposals to Government shortly and, subject to the approval of the Government, to put the matter before Dáil Éireann before the end of November. Obviously, any decision to participate will be subject to the approval of Dáil Éireann in accordance with the Defence Acts.

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