Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

This is a highly important event for Ireland. As the Minister of State noted, it is important that the force is being led by an Irish man who is internationally renowned for his military competence and capacity. It is important for Members to reflect on what the Irish troops are doing in Chad and what sort of place that country is. Like the Minister of State, I do not usually speak on defence matters but my research on Chad indicates it is a particularly inhospitable place. It has an estimated population of almost 11 million people and has a life expectancy for males and females of 46 and 48, respectively. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle and I visited Uganda some years ago and in many ways its profile is similar to that of Chad. It is a very poor country with many serious problems, medical and otherwise. Some 5% of the population is HIV positive, equating to approximately 200,000 people. More than 250,000 people from neighbouring countries have sought refuge in Chad. Its difficult geographical terrain has led to it being described as the "dead heart of Africa". With a largely desert climate, it is an inhospitable place in which to live and an extremely difficult environment in which to pursue agricultural activities. In addition, there are the serious political problems in Chad and the countries surrounding it. That is why our troops are there.

The purpose of this motion is to effect the transfer of command of the mission to the United Nations. This motion offers an opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of our Army and on the great contribution it makes as a peacekeeping force. In this regard, it offers a contrast to other armies we see on the news every day, many of which are carrying out appalling atrocities in countries where they should never have been in the first place. The people of Chad need the contribution of our Army. Its activity there takes place under the imprimatur of the United Nations. This is a humanitarian mission and it is necessary and worthy.

However, it is also highly risky — the most dangerous mission ever undertaken by the Army. Full protection must be seen to be in place and remain in place for the duration of the mission. That is the task and duty of this House and the United Nations. If proper protection, facilities and back-up are in place, the risks to our troops will not be entirely removed but will certainly be minimised. ensure every step is taken and that no corners are cut in ensuring all the necessary facilities and back-up are in place. However, if the situation deteriorates, the force could find itself in a very dangerous environment, caught between warring rebels, a Government against which human rights accusations have been levelled and a mass of refugees from Darfur. It is an exceptionally risky mission. This House and this nation are extremely proud of the exceptional Irish men who undertake this dangerous mission.

I draw the Minister of State's attention to an article in The Irish Times today by Captain James Cahill from Barna, County Galway. It is a wonderful piece of writing which brings home in a personal way what is going on in Chad and the knowledge, back-up, preparation and commitment involved. The Defence Forces and the Department of Defence should encourage participation by way of website, letters and so on. We should get behind these personnel as much as possible.

Many people think of Chad as a faraway, unhappy land in which battles take place over issues of which we know nothing in towns whose names we cannot even pronounce. Captain Cahill's article makes clear for us the reality of peacekeeping in a troubled regions. He stated:

I'm leading my troops into the African desert with rebels and bandits known to operate in the area. It's a strange feeling, a mixture of adrenaline, fear, excitement and self-doubt. Have I done everything I can to get my troops ready for this? Will they follow me? This is it, this is Chad.

This descriptive passage communicates how the leaders of our soldiers feel about this mission, their commitment to their job and the commitment of the Department and Government to our endeavours in this troubled place. Captain Cahill speaks of the soldiers' preparations for their deployment in Chad:

Given that the political, cultural, medical, operational and environmental conditions are so different to home, we had endless briefings covering cultural awareness, the political situation in Chad, our mission and most importantly for soldiers our rules of engagement, when, how and if we can open fire in a hostile situation.

He goes on to describe the reactions of local people to the Irish troops:

On our hand-over patrols we visited a lot of villages and refugee camps in our area of operation. One of the first things that became apparent to me was that nobody is lying at the side of the road starving to death as is the case in other parts of the continent. Instead you are met with unsure glances which quickly turn to waves and smiles when they recognise friendly faces. This to me highlighted the unease in the country at the moment and was a real eye-opener.

We must support our soldiers in their activities. In these difficult days for our country, it is great to see men of such calibre putting their lives on the line to bring peace to a war-town area which may be heading into even greater uncertainty. This is surely an inspiration for young people. Is the Minister of State satisfied that everything possible is being done to ensure there is continuing support for the troops? That is one of the key points on which I have been asked to seek assurance. I have also been asked to raise the issue of the arrest warrant issued against the President of Sudan for crimes against humanity. What are the immediate issues to consider in terms of the impact on the Chad-Sudan-Central African Republic region?

How do we ensure our troops are safe in this environment? In particular, they must be able to react instantly if refugees begin fleeing from Sudan. We must have assurances that the hand-over process will not weaken the position of our soldiers and place them at risk. I have no doubt the Minister of State will provide those assurances. Our troops in Chad must have full support and back-up. No risks must be taken in this regard. Their mission is crucial to the stability of the region and to the safety of the refugees from Darfur.

Ireland has made an enormous commitment to foreign aid. In particular, Irish Aid is doing a wonderful job in Africa. Members who have gone there were extremely impressed by the professionalism, commitment and dedication of those involved. It is a completely different world, peopled by practical idealists who get the job done while believing in service and something beyond themselves. The mission in Chad reflects all these good qualities in the Army. I welcome and fully support the motion while asking the Minister of State to provide the assurances I have sought.

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