Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I have already told Deputy Deenihan that the military is considering whether a helicopter should be placed permanently at Goz Beida. I will not try to second-guess the military as I am not a military expert, but I have been assured that if it is decided that it is necessary for the safety of Irish troops that a helicopter be located at Goz Beida, a helicopter will be located there.

With regard to Deputy Deenihan's specific question about Abeche, three helicopters are available there. They are not dedicated to any specific mission, but in that part of Chad there are French, Irish and Polish forces. Those three helicopters are generally available. I must point out, however, that there are three other helicopters available at N'Djamena, plus a fixed-wing aircraft. Negotiations between the EUFOR commanders and the Russians and Ukrainians are at an advanced stage with a view to providing further air back-up. Compared with other missions with which I am familiar, such as that in Liberia, the troops are much better served on this mission with regard to flying times and accessibility of medical facilities and air assets.

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