Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

The Minister has reiterated his belief that every possible measure has been put in place and will be put in place to ensure the security and safety of our troops. He lays emphasis on the fact that this is a mission to protect civilians.

An issue I have raised with the Minister in the past is the attempt by the so-called charity, Zoe's Ark, to take out of the area 103 children who were being presented as orphans. Since I last raised the issue, the court case has happened and sentences are in place. To what extent can the EU force play a positive role in protecting children and preventing any such attempts being made again to take children out of the country? These children were presented as orphans when it seems clear that they were not and this is quite worrying. I know the situation is chaotic with approximately 400,000 refugees and displaced Chadians in the area. Has the Minister discussed this matter with the force commander and what positive contribution can the force make in this regard?

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