Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)

In October I welcomed the nomination of Lieutenant General Pat Nash to head up the EU-led UN force in Chad and the Central African Republic. Today, the Dáil will complete approval of the EU force within the special triple lock mechanism, with Cabinet and UN approval already secured.

During the debate on the motion in October, the House heard an array of statistics on Chad and its neighbour, the Central African Republic. Chad suffers from severe economic challenges and low life expectancy rates. For instance, it is unlikely Deputy Mulcahy or I would be alive if we were in a similar forum in Chad. It is in an extremely tense geopolitical and security situation.

Since the first motion was moved, I was a member of a Council of Europe election observation mission to Kosovo for the parliamentary elections held on 17 November and I witnessed at first hand the incredible work being carried out by the Army. I met Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty, commander of the KFOR multinational task force centre, a military regional area that includes the capital, Pristina.

That the Army was the first to take command of this area indicates the high regard in which Irish troops are held. They have long experience in peacekeeping missions, a fact recognised by other nations. I was proud of each Irish soldier in Kosovo, seeing how professional and efficient they are. They act as ambassadors for our country, contributing directly to improving the lives of many in what is a very difficult political situation on Europe's doorstep.

Captain Deirdre O'Rourke of the bomb disposal unit gave the mission a briefing on the dangers of unexploded mortars and landmines. The mission was impressed with her knowledge and experience.

Witnessing the work of an overseas peacekeeping mission highlighted to me the importance of increasing civil and military co-operation. In many cases, the army is the first point of contact between the local populations and the international community. Armies have invaluable on-the-ground knowledge of local terrains and cultures. Often they have higher capabilities and resources than other agencies.

While the Army's core competency may not be deemed to be the so-called softer side of peacekeeping, such as institution-building, building schools and working to improve local economies, it is experienced in this kind of work and is well placed to do more of it.

It does not want to, nor should it, dramatically increase its humanitarian role in these regions. The amount of funding it receives for development should be substantially increased. Will the Minister ask Irish Aid, which does much invaluable work overseas, to strengthen its relationship with the Army? The Finnish army in Kosovo has much more funding for community development programmes than the Irish Army. This engenders a certain amount of goodwill for the Army which will be the first point of contact before many of the NGOs so we should consider it seriously and give more money to the Army in Chad. Irish Aid should identify community projects there on which the Army could work with the NGOs with increased funding. Irish Aid and the NGOs working on their behalf would benefit from the goodwill created by the Army because this will ensure a better outcome in countries which have not had the advantage of developing as quickly as we have. The Army operates efficiently in a structured way when it delivers aid and works with communities, ensuring value for money, which is important.

The political situation in Kosovo is tense as 10 December looms but I support the despatch of Irish forces working to improve the stability and future of such areas because it stabilises them. It has worked in Kosovo and will work in Chad. As a wealthy nation we have a responsibility to be involved in missions such as this one.

The mission to Chad is dangerous because heavy fighting was reported last week between the Chadian army and rebel forces. French participation in this mission is fraught with danger and creates difficulties, of which the Minister is aware but it has benefits too and we should not get bogged down in the difficulties. Logistical difficulties must be resolved and the Minister has been active in this work. Chad is bigger than the UK, Spain, France and Germany put together so it is vital that the troops have sufficient resources. This should not, however, deflect from Irish commitment to the peacekeeping force. The Irish role includes the establishment of a safe and secure environment that will facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and will enable humanitarian staff to carry out their work. I support the despatch of Irish Defence Forces on this mission and wish them every success under the able leadership of Lieutenant General Pat Nash.

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