Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

Apart from the issue of costs, I take it the Minister will have gathered there is certain concern, admittedly expressed in different ways, among Members of this House regarding the safety and security of our troops going to Chad. As one who shares those concerns, could the Minister outline the most up-to-date risk assessment of the situation? Has it been taken into account that the rebels have, as I understand, in recent weeks been reinforced from the other side of the border in Darfur by those who support them? These reinforcements have been financed and encouraged by the Sudanese Government in Khartoum. Does the Minister not accept that the risk situation is quite fluid and the factors there are such that the risks could over a period of time increase substantially? Has all that been taken into account in making the final decision?

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