Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

There are a number of aspects to this matter. The increase in the price of oil last year enabled the Government of Chad to build up its defence assets. In that context, it has acquired a number of substantial air assets and also appears to have improved its military capabilities. The Government of Chad has placed troops in an area adjacent to the Sudanese border in order to prevent rebel movements across the frontier. This has nothing to do with us, as such, but it has certainly improved the security situation.

I do not envisage a United Nations withdrawal over the next three months. I discussed the position of our troops with the Chief of Staff, and we are open to all possibilities and are examining all contingencies. However, I spoke to representatives of local communities in Chad and the governor of Goz Beida — whom I met for a detailed briefing — in addition to our troops and commanders from other countries during my recent visit and I do not envisage a doomsday scenario arising. The possibility of Ireland or the United Nations' force as a whole withdrawing at any time in the near future is seen as extremely remote.

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