Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

One of the questions in the group referred to the €57 million cost of the mission and if it will be at the expense of any existing activities of the Army. There is an additional sum of €37 million but a €20 million in saving specified. Will the Minister assure us this is a saving that would otherwise be spent on people here rather than coming from cutbacks in other areas?

On the logistical plan, I understand there is only 400 km of roadway in Chad, and I foresee extreme difficulty in keeping lines open. I hope the Ranger wing will plan for a camp when they go to Chad in January but are we getting ahead of ourselves when we speak about being ready to go in when we do not have the experience on the ground of the Ranger wing and the professionals with them? Is there a possibility, in spite of the information held by the Minister, that the mission could be beyond the capability of the supports that may be in place?

See this speech in context