Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

In regard to Chad, I have no information that the situation has changed in any material way. There is ongoing low level criminal activity in camps but it is at nothing like the level that obtained prior to the arrival of the United Nations. We must consider a number of factors in deciding overseas missions. We obviously must have regard to the financial situation and the need to work within tight constraints. If the mission is led by the UN, we are entitled to a rebate, and this will certainly be one of our considerations when deciding to sign up to future missions. The UN also sanctions certain missions organised by other powers, in which case the costs are paid where they fall.

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