Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I assure the House that our standing with the United Nations remains high. There are strong indications that we will receive further requests for assistance from the UN. As I indicated, Irish troops in Bosnia-Herzegovina will remain in the country for a much longer period than anticipated. They were due to return to Ireland in July but will now remain until the end of the year, assuming the mission's mandate is renewed. While I understand the mandate will expire in mid-October or thereabouts, difficulties are not envisaged in that regard and Ireland does not have any difficulty in this respect with the United Nations.

Deputies O'Shea and Deenihan asked a question about the United Nations mandate and the protection of people in the camps and so forth. I understand there are currently approximately 3,400 UN troops on the MINURCAT mission. This figure is likely to be scaled back by almost one half to around 2,000 troops. Questions arise about how these troops will be deployed. I do not have information on that issue at this point. As Deputy O'Shea noted, however, the capacity of the Chadian authorities to address some of the issues they face has improved.

One welcome development which must not be overlooked is that many emerging African nations are in a position to provide troop support to the United Nations. This is, in some instances, highly desirable and I have no doubt the United Nations has been giving the matter consideration, particularly as some host authorities in particular regions have welcomed the development. That is not to say that our troops will not have a role in future. The Government is more than happy to examine any proposal from the United Nations and there are strong indications that such proposals will be forthcoming.

Two issues arise with regard to equipment. I understand it would not make sense to move certain equipment and it would be beneficial to people on the ground in Chad if it were left in place. Nonetheless, the mission's military equipment will be returned to Ireland. The arrangements are made through a private contractor. I understand that the cost is probably in the region of about €8 million, but virtually all the cost is borne by the UN.

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