Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I assure Deputy Collins that military personnel have travelled to Chad on reconnaissance work. They have studied the environment to ascertain what is required in terms of equipment, transport and communications. These are people of the highest expertise who have organised previous foreign missions. They know what is required and will ensure it is supplied. One cannot offer absolute guarantees but we are extremely mindful of the safety of our troops. I assure the House that everything possible will be done on our side to ensure the troops are entirely safe. I can speak for Lieutenant General Nash in assuring Members that he will not deploy unless the logistical supports that it is incumbent on other EU countries to provide are put in place.

Troops will take part in an intensive period of some ten to 12 weeks' pre-deployment training. Many of these troops have previously served abroad in Liberia or Lebanon and know what is involved. When considering whether to accede to a request for a mission, one of the criteria is the current level of commitment. We have a top level of 850 personnel and that cannot be exceeded. We also consider how well the mission is financed, how it ties in with our foreign policy and whether it has a clear political objective. The main consideration, however, is the risk involved to our troops. That weighs very heavily when we are deciding whether to commit to a mission.

The criteria for selection of personnel would include factors such as seniority, family circumstances, experience abroad and reports from commanding officers. A particular expertise would give personnel an advantage also.

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