Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

In view of the fact that the Minister has made a commitment to provide whatever backup services are required, will he ensure that a medevac helicopter is provided at Goz Beida at all times? It takes approximately an hour to get from Abeche to Goz Beida by helicopter and if it must carry on to the outer extremity of the section the Irish mission will control, it could take up to two hours. The Minister mentioned one hour 50 minutes but I have no doubt he is aware of the golden hour in that when somebody is seriously injured on the field they are taken to a level 2 military hospital within an hour. From what the Minister said earlier, that requirement cannot be fulfilled. I appeal to the Minister that if the proper medical service is to be available to our troops, it should be provided at Goz Beida. I am aware he is examining the possibility of further helicopters being provided. The Minister should insist on that because the feedback I am getting indicates there is concern that such a service is not available.

Is the Minister aware that the rainy season is about to commence, which will coincide with the arrival of the main part of the Irish mission, and that at times it will be impossible for jeeps to travel over land because of widespread flooding in the Irish sector? Also, there is a concern that because of atmospheric conditions helicopters may not be able to travel long distances because of fuelling capacity. Has that aspect been considered? If, for example, helicopters cannot——

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