Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We abhor and are very determined to avoid a vacuum or any uncertainty arising. We shall be pressing very hard for clear decisions, not just a resolution but actually a clear pathway for the UN force coming in on the button, so to speak, so there is a seamless transition from EUFOR. However, there are issues to be considered and obviously the Minister for Defence will take the lead in terms of requirements of our Army. The Deputy has alluded to the size, composition, balance of forces, logistical support and so forth and these are questions we obviously want ironed out before finally agreeing to participate in the force. However, we have put a good deal of investment into our existing presence there and our desire is to continue it. Obviously, there are always issues in situations such as this that need to be teased out with the UN.

On the Deputy's second question, our presence is quite substantial in Chad, with more than 450 troops. It is the largest of any presence we have globally at present. That in itself is significant and if we can maintain this level of operation we shall be doing very well because this is a very challenging mission.

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