Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the House for its recognition of the importance of Ireland's and the Defence Forces' contribution to international peace and security. I am particularly grateful for the kind words and compliments from Deputies regarding the manner in which the Defence Forces have discharged themselves in these missions. The debate reflects the high regard in which the Defence Forces are held internationally as peacekeepers and the warm regard with which the Irish people hold our Defence Forces, recognising the important role they play in the communities served both here and abroad.

I assure the House that the decision to go to Chad and remain on there was not taken lightly. In considering any mission, our ability to protect the health and safety of our personnel is of paramount importance. However, all missions involve some element of risk.

I will try to address, as best and as briefly as I can, the questions which were raised. I agree wholeheartedly with Deputy O'Dowd's comments on the diary which Lieutenant Cahill has been writing in The Irish Times, and is worth circulating. I recommend to the Department that it find ways to ensure we engage through websites, blogs etc. with our troops. That is probably already happening.

The humanitarian position in Chad is very difficult. The world development indicators place Chad at 170 from 179 countries and the humanitarian situation in the country has continued to deteriorate. As a result of EUFOR creating a safe and secure environment, the number of refugees, and particularly the number of internally displaced persons in the country, has increased and the ability of host communities to cope has decreased. Deputy O'Shea has seen this at first hand. There are 290,000 refugees and 180,000 internally displaced persons in eastern Chad.

Since the beginning of 2007, Ireland has provided more than €11 million in funding for humanitarian relief projects in Chad and these projects are undertaken by UN agencies such as the World Food Programme, UNICEF, UNHCR and NGOs, including Concern. I was asked if the Minister is satisfied that the safety of troops is being protected. The Minister has been assured that Irish troops have all the necessary supports to do their job and protection of the force is always paramount. The Defence Forces have displayed a full range of force protection assets, and these will also be deployed in the MINURCAT mission. I understand the forces have become very competent in the areas of protection and have the appropriate equipment.

The duration of the deployment is a maximum of three years, with a report going to Government at the end of this year. The extension of the mission is contingent on the renewal of the mandate.

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