Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I am happy to state the EUFOR mission to Chad is the most multinational military operation conducted in Africa by the European Union thus far. As the Deputy is aware, at least 17 EU member states will deploy, including France, Ireland, Poland, Sweden, Romania, Austria, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and Greece. France and Ireland will be the largest and second largest contributors with 1,300 and 430 personnel, respectively. On full deployment, the EU force will comprise 3,700 personnel. On 25 September last the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution to establish a multidimensional UN mission in Chad. The multidimensional presence will comprise a United Nations mission in Chad and the Central African Republic, to be known as MINURCAT, which will focus on the security and protection of civilians. The important point is that this deployment is UN-driven, as well as having strong EU involvement, which is to be welcomed.

I, like other Members, had some concerns regarding the term "battle groups", which is somewhat off the beaten track. While I share the Deputy's viewpoint, we are stuck with the term. As the Deputy is aware, it does not describe the operation's purpose.

As for equipment and reassurances, I will reiterate what has been stated previously in this House. We are there to help humanitarian causes in the neutral capacity alluded to by the Deputy. The force may operate under Chapter VII, if required, and is fully resourced. The Government has confidence in the force's military leadership. Lieutenant General Pat Nash is involved at the highest level. It is also clear the Irish will have control over their own area of operation. While there will be French leadership at battalion level, the second in command will be Irish. Consequently, there will be Irish involvement throughout the chains of command. I held discussions with Lieutenant General Pat Nash when I attended an informal meeting of defence ministers in Slovenia. As an Irish Minister, I was proud to be there as he gave a good account of what everyone was doing. He kept everyone, both the Irish Government and our European colleagues, abreast of developments.

This is the present position. I have confidence in what has been done thus far. We are in a better position today than was the case last time this matter was discussed by the House. The Government will keep Deputies fully informed in this House.

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