Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

We are dealing with a number of questions. Regarding medical evacuations, I wish to emphasise again the importance of having a medevac helicopter in Goz Beida. The fact that Abeche is such a distance from the Irish sector will definitely make travelling times a problem. Will there be dedicated helicopters in Abeche for the Irish mission? If there was another demand on medevac helicopters in Abeche and a member of the Irish force was seriously injured in the Irish sector would that person have to wait for the arrival of a helicopter?

Another problem that was mentioned in the newspaper report to which I referred is that the atmospheric conditions create difficulties with helicopter travel from the point of view of fuelling arrangements. Apparently in certain conditions it takes more fuel to get from A to B because the helicopter's engines must work harder. It is important to clarify this in order to put people's fears to rest. I remind the Minister of his statement in the House that because this was a generously funded mission every support would be provided. The most important support, because of the conditions and because it would be impossible during the rainy season to travel overland by jeep or military ambulance, is helicopters, and the ready availability of helicopters is critical. I ask the Minister to respond to the question of providing a helicopter at the Irish headquarters at Goz Beida. Does he agree that it would be better if one were there?

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