Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

While I do not believe health and safety should be the sole criterion in this regard, we cannot totally ignore it. As far as I am aware, one soldier suffered a serious injury as a result of engaging in sport. Anybody who has visited the region will know that the ground in the area is not suitable for sports involving bodily contact.

The commander, the Government and I as Minister have a duty of care in terms of the health and safety of personnel. We are on notice that certain of these activities can result in serious personal injury to people already in a hostile environment and who run the risk of injury owing to their duties. I know for a fact that the Force commander on the ground is being as flexible as possible in this regard.

There is no suggestion that all sporting activity is banned. Personnel can engage in running and they have access to a first class gymnasium which includes such facilities as mats for engagement in judo and other self defence activities which may assist personnel in warding off assaults. A wide range of activities is provided. The ban applies in respect of those activities, which in the judgment of the Force commander on the ground, are most likely to give rise to serious personal injury thus causing a person to be repatriated from Chad.

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