Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

This can change, but I am advised that the main threat at the moment are these groups of roving bandits, rather than rebels, who use four-by-four pick-up trucks and operate opportunistically. They are mainly active along the Chad-Sudanese border and tend to come together and dissipate fairly quickly. This is the main threat at the moment. As to whether I am satisfied that everything that can be done has been done to ensure the safety of our troops, I am.

The Deputy is correct that I met Mr. Osman last week. He informed me of the great respect for Ireland's peacekeeping record. He said it is absolutely vital that this mission goes ahead on humanitarian grounds, considering the level of suffering and threat to the people in the camps there. He also referred to recent comments by former President Mary Robinson which he welcomed. He also welcomed her visit to the area and her comments to the effect it was imperative that this mission go ahead.

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