Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I congratulate the Minister on his elevation to senior ministry. It is well deserved and I have little doubt he will do a fine job in his new position. I extend my best wishes to him. I also express my personal sadness that the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Dermot Earley, has been forced to retire due to a debilitating illness. His early retirement is a sad development and I convey the regrets of the Labour Party on the loss of a fine officer. I trust Lieutenant General Earley has a good quality of life. I extend my party's sympathies to his family on this unfortunate development.

On the withdrawal of troops from Chad, I made a short visit there in January 2009. I also watched a slideshow of the conditions that pertain in the country during the rainy season. It is regrettable that the Irish contingent in Chad had to be withdrawn. Nevertheless, the safety of our troops must come first in all circumstances. Unfortunately, there appears to have been little choice but to withdraw the contingent.

By the end of the year, only approximately 70 Irish troops will be serving abroad. Is it possible that troops may return to Chad this year? If not, is any other theatre of operations being actively considered by the Department or are discussions taking place about Irish troops serving in other trouble spots?

To return to the issue of Chad, it is reported that the Chadian authorities have been able to strengthen the country's army and have purchased fighter jets, for which they have employed mercenary pilots. What is the military position in Chad, as reported to the Minister? Will the strengthening of the Chadian armed forces make any significant difference in regard to the capacity of the Chadian authorities to deal with the horrendous humanitarian problems the country is experiencing?

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