Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

As Deputy Deenihan pointed out, transporting the equipment overseas was a major factor in the cost of the mission. We have incurred that cost and it would be bad value for money to rush back on 15 March. The Exchequer is paying for this mission but when the UN takes over, it will carry the cost, by and large, although the organisation pays in arrears and is sometimes a good bit in arrears but that must be discounted. Other factors must be considered and the safety of our troops is always our paramount consideration. We must establish what size mission is involved, the other countries that are prepared to contribute and the logistical support the force will have. For example, it has been hinted the UN will seek a force almost twice the size of the present force in Chad. That will require considerable logistical support because of the terrain and I am not disposed to recommending the deployment of our troops without sufficient logistical support.

We must examine all those factors but, taking everything into account, including the humanitarian consideration, the good work that has been done, which has been effective on the ground, the work that remains to be done in that unfortunate part of the world, the cost incurred and the fact that the UN will pay, I am favourably disposed. However, the Government will have to discuss the matter.

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