Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

It is a massive logistical undertaking to take out all the troops and equipment and then to have to send them back again. When one considers the type of over-land route that must be traversed in the case of Chad, with virtually no roads whatever, it is a huge undertaking. It would be difficult to be enthusiastic about engaging in it, but if the need arose and the UN were to make a request, we would have to consider it according to the same criteria as any other proposal that might be made. It is important to bear in mind that troops from other African countries which are gradually building capacity in this area are generally better received. It is to be welcomed that the emerging African nations are in a position to provide troops in some of these situations; they certainly have some advantages of deployment.

The bottom line is that if the UN tells us we are needed in a particular place, we will examine the proposal fairly regardless of previous history. We would still be in Chad were it not for the logistical difficulties that presented because the mandate could not be guaranteed. I would personally be extremely unhappy with having Irish troops there under the current mandate.

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