Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank Deputy Jack Wall for sharing his time with me. Members should be proud of the Defence Forces who have served so well, bravely and humanely in many theatres of conflict throughout the world. Only two weeks ago, I attended the annual commemoration at Arbour Hill of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association, IUNVA. The commemoration was for 89 members of the Defence Forces who had died in service abroad under the UN banner. Members must be proud of this record and of the soldiers who are going to Chad. Moreover, they should be proud that although Irish personnel will not comprise a numerical majority of the contingent, an Irishman will lead the force, namely, Lieutenant General Pat Nash. I refer to the new reform treaty being introduced. It specifically makes reference to the neutral status of countries such as Ireland that will not look towards a common European army. Ireland will do the business it has laid out, namely, peacemaking and peacekeeping and this also will form part of our intended future direction.

I have received some documentation on this matter from Amnesty International in respect of human rights issues. In respect of a delay in the arrival in Chad of the main component of the force, it is concerned that were the force to arrive in March or April, that would be too late given the existence of serious issues at present. Although the rangers will be deployed in December, it would be desirable to have in place a major part of the force well before the date currently expected. Perhaps the Minister for Defence will comment on this matter because the situation is quite variable and vulnerable at present. Given its contacts and experience as a non-governmental organisation, Amnesty International is of the opinion that it would be desirable to have the force on the ground much earlier.

Amnesty International also is greatly concerned about existing abuses of human rights. I refer in particular to gender violence directed against women. Amnesty has expressed concerns that women are being targeted by militias and the Chadian military and considers the present position to be serious. Consequently, it advocates the deployment of female Garda and Defence Forces personnel, who may be more in tune with the needs of the situation. Certainly, it suggests that those members of the Defence Forces who are being deployed abroad should be well-briefed on this aspect of the difficulties that are being experienced in Chad at present.

As my colleague, Deputy Jack Wall, has already noted, joining the Army entails a degree of danger. The Defence Forces have served in Lebanon and the Congo and have suffered because of it. However, they have done their duty and have provided an excellent service. I expect the same service will be provided this time. All necessary resources and backup — I refer to the logistics regarding air transport in particular — should be put in place as a matter of urgency and should be available to the highest level when Irish troops go abroad.

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