Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

That was in the second part of my answer which I did not have time to deliver. A request came in from operational headquarters to supply a platoon sized contingent of approximately 30 troops to provide protection for force headquarters in Abéché. I am not aware that request was actually refused. It was considered.

The people considering the request have to take many things into account such as the extent to which they will still be able to perform their ordinary duties, which is protecting civilians, United Nations personnel and the humanitarian agencies out there. It did not come in at the best time. It came in at the time of the changeover, when the rotation of troops was taking place. Having considered the request, they reckoned that they could supply the 30 troops on a rotational basis. They have been sent there from 6 to 26 October. That is their first stint there.

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