Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I hope the Leas-Cheann Comhairle will allow me to refer briefly to the interesting interview the Minister gave on "Morning Ireland" this morning. It was full of excellent information. Those of us who heard the interview will be aware that just as it was ending, the Minister spoke about the case of Robert Tobin and Michelle Mahon, whose housing difficulties have been the subject of a great deal of publicity over the last couple of days. I appreciate that this does not pertain to the motion before the House. I was not aware that Mr. Tobin and Ms Mahon were Army people. The Minister showed a great deal of care by offering to assist them, as Mr. Tobin said when he spoke on "Morning Ireland" subsequently. I was glad to read in today's Evening Herald that progress has been made in this case with the co-operation of the Law Society and the Ulster Bank. In fairness to the Minister, he went out of his way in his handling of the issue this morning. I applaud his work in this case. I am glad that some progress has been made.

I have listened carefully to the speeches which have been made throughout today's debate. I cannot claim, as Deputies Kelly and O'Rourke did, that there is an Army barracks in my constituency. The Minister, Deputy O'Dea, is aware that I have taken an interest in defence matters over recent times. Many serving Defence Forces personnel come from my constituency. Like other Deputies, I sincerely applaud the efforts made by the Army and the rest of the Defence Forces over a long period of time. I wish our troops well as they prepare to go to Chad.

Like some previous speakers, I come from a generation that remembers the funeral services in Dublin of our heroes who were killed in the Congo. I was quite young at the time and had not yet left school. Members may recall that children were given a day off school. I went to the funerals, which were very sad. I am sometimes unable to remember things which happened yesterday, but I often recall clearly details of things which took place a long time ago. That episode in Irish history — a number of the Irish soldiers who went abroad in 1962 to do a job that needed to be done lost their lives in Africa — left a lasting impression on me. Some aspects of that sad episode were unresolved for over 40 years. It was another example of the kind of heroism Irish people have shown on many occasions over the years, including on other missions. It is important, therefore, to wish the men and women who will represent Ireland on this occasion well.

It is important to put this discussion in context. It is difficult to say something new during a long debate like this, as many Deputies have spoken already today. In September of this year, the UN Security Council authorised a resolution establishing a multidimensional UN mission in Chad and the Central African Republic. We have been told that the mission will help to strengthen security in that region. I understand that the mission's comprehensive mandate focuses, as it should, on the security and protection of civilians who are in danger, particularly internally displaced refugees; human rights; and, the rule of law in east Chad and north-east Central African Republic. This EU military mission is authorised, under chapter 7 of the UN charter, to support the UN and take all necessary measures within its capabilities and its area of operation to fulfil its mandate.

I share an interest in Africa with the Leas-Cheann Comhairle — both of us are members of the Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa. Since 2004, eastern Chad has hosted approximately 240,000 Sudanese refugees, who have fled the fighting in Darfur, in 12 camps. I understand that Chad is facing a surge in the number of refugees. The authorities in Chad and the Central African Republic have welcomed the possible EU military presence in their respective countries. I understand that the Chad mission will complement the planned United Nations-African Union hybrid mission, which is to be launched by the UN in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan, by limiting the potential for the Sudanese conflict to spill over into this region.

I attended my first meeting of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body in recent days. I was happy to get that assignment, as it was something I wanted to do. They gave me a tie which I decided to wear today since we were discussing the mission to Chad. I was appointed as a member, with other colleagues on one of the sub-committees dealing with European affairs and European defence issues under the chairmanship of a Conservative MP, Mr. Robert Walker. We discussed missions of this sort and great interest was expressed in what Ireland was doing. It is good to see the reputation of this country flying high. There was a time when there was a different atmosphere between Irish and English politicians. I am glad to say I am not from that generation. There is now an understanding between nations. I have the impression that the reputation of Ireland is gaining and that this mission is welcomed by other countries.

The Minister will be interested to know that the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body is proposing to send a delegation to the Paris headquarters to discuss a number of issues with Lieutenant General Pat Nash. I hope to be given the opportunity to participate in that visit. It is important to honour the Irish mission and what General Nash hopes to achieve.

Lieutenant General Nash comes from Limerick and I am confident he will bring his professionalism to the job. He follows in a line of other Irish military personnel who have served in similar capacities. I refer to General Seán McKeown who served in the Congo in the 1960s, General Jim Quinn who was in Cyprus and a man I remember well and General Bill O'Callaghan, the mission commander in the Lebanon. Lieutenant General Nash is following a tremendous tradition of Irish Army officers who have led important missions abroad. I wish him well, as will every Member of the House. The Army has a great reputation and it is being given an opportunity to undertake this important role. We all look forward to the roll-out of the programme.

I listened to contributions from colleagues from across the floor of the House who expressed their concerns. I have confidence in the Army leadership and that of the Minister for Defence. However, people are worried about the challenges and difficulties to be faced in Chad. It is right to be cautious. Other Members asked the Minister to ensure all resources would be provided for the Irish troops and I have confidence in him. The public does not wish to send our troops into dangerous situations without being properly equipped and resourced. I wish our forces well.

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