Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I offer Deputy Deenihan my sincere condolences on his recent bereavement.

Despite the current difficult economic circumstances, the Government continues to support and commit resources and personnel, wherever it can, to support peace, security and development in troublespots throughout the world. Following on from Ireland's participation in the EU-led mission to Chad, the mandate of which expired on 14 March 2009, Ireland's initial commitment to the follow-on United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad, MINURCAT, is for a period of one year to 14 March 2010.

Planned expenditure levels for my Department are being considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This includes consideration of the McCarthy report. Decisions on all of the issues arising, including continued participation in MINURCAT and in other overseas missions, will be a matter for the Government in the context of the Estimates. Should the Government, in the context of the Estimates, decide to withdraw from Chad, the costs of the repatriation of troops and personnel from the now UN-led mission will be met by the UN.

Certain additional costs arise to the defence Vote on an annual basis from participation in overseas missions. The additional annual cost for participation in Chad, net of UN reimbursements, is approximately €8 million per annum. As such, withdrawal from Chad would result in a net saving to the Vote of a similar amount.

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