Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

The distance between Abeche and where the Irish troops will be operating is approximately 160 km. The guideline is that it would take an hour for a helicopter to fly from there to the Irish zone to transport casualties or personnel affected by disease and an hour for it to travel back. Therefore, it would be preferable if the Irish troops had a helicopter on site to enable them to bring personnel, where necessary, to a level two hospital. Has the Minister provided for that possibility?

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