Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I refer to the issue of supports to the mission. Parcels at Christmas could be very good for the morale of the forces serving there. While the Minister mentioned there may be provision in this regard, I suggest that provision should be made for the transport of parcels. I am sure it would not overly inconvenience the Defence Forces were such parcels to be placed at local barracks from where they easily could be transported.

At present, I understand that those who are serving on the mission will receive only ten minutes of free telephone call time per month. In view of the importance of this highly challenging mission, in which temperatures will rise to 50° or 55° Celsius, every support possible must be given to the Irish military personnel in Chad. Will the Minister consider increasing the allowance to at least 20 minutes of free telephone time, which would be fair.

The former Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Deputy Tom Kitt, took some of the Minister's questions during Question Time in the House. I believe he will be a loss to this House given his profile. However, in response to a question, he promised me that he would check the position in respect of subsidised leave flights. Perhaps one of the Minister's officials has provided the Minister with a note on subsidised leave flights for personnel serving there.

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