Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The issue of the required air transport for the Defence Forces contingent deploying to Chad was considered in detail as part of the planning process for the deployment. A detailed review of the requirements was conducted by the military authorities as is normal in any case of overseas peace support operations. I requested and received the requisite assurances from the Chief of Staff in relation to helicopter medevac and strategic lift. The Chief of Staff advised me that he was fully satisfied with the arrangements in place for the Defence Forces contingent in EUFOR.

Within the theatre of operations, EUFOR has four French attack helicopters and five French Puma helicopters, which are under the operational control of the operational commander. The French also supply EUFOR with one reconnaissance mission per day by a Mirage, as well as having two Mirages on standby for close air support. The Polish battalion has three Mi 17 helicopters in theatre.

The provision of both strategic and tactical lift for Defence Forces personnel in theatre in Chad continues to meet the requirements of the military authorities of the contingent there. Strategic and tactical lift is met both from commercial sources and through support from EUFOR assets deployed in theatre. I am aware that some concerns have been expressed regarding the helicopter lift contracted by the Defence Forces for the contingent in Chad. In progressing planning arrangements for Ireland's participation in Chad, a requirement for tactical lift in the Irish area of operations to support resupply of the mission and enable forward projection of the contingent during the rainy season in particular was identified by the military authorities. I should emphasise that this was primarily a requirement for the transport of cargo and supplies to the base camp in Goz Beida during the rainy season, along with the forward deployment of forces during this period.

The Defence Forces contracted a civilian company through their standing supplier of strategic air transport to provide this helicopter lift. Two helicopters arrived in theatre on 28 June 2008 to provide for the operational deployment of troops and to facilitate the rapid movement of supplies, stores and equipment from the forward logistic base in Abéché to the battalion base in Goz Beida.

In late September, a question arose in relation to the certification of the two helicopters for use with passengers. The issue that arose was a regulatory licensing one relating to civilian registered helicopters and did not reflect on the safety, technical or operational functions of the helicopters. Notwithstanding this, it was decided that pending the resolution of the matter, the transport of Defence Forces personnel on board the helicopters should be restricted. The helicopters remain operational for the use of cargo and emergency evacuation purposes as required to support the operation in Chad.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

In relation to the deployment of Defence Forces personnel to provide a guard at the force headquarter in Abéché, the 98th infantry battalion was requested by the force commander to provide personnel for force protection duties. The background to the request was the withdrawal of the Swedish contribution to Chad at the end of their tour of duty. The Swedish element had provided force protection until their departure and no other country came forward to replace them. Thus, the force headquarters had to seek assistance from the units serving in the field, the Irish, French and Polish battalions.

Following appropriate consideration by the Irish military authorities, it was agreed that the Defence Forces would provide a platoon level commitment on a rotational basis for security at the force headquarters. The platoon comprising approximately 30 personnel took up duty in Abéché for the period from 7 October until 26 October 2008.

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