Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I move:

That Dáil Éireann approves the dispatch of Major General Pat Nash to the position of Operations Commander for the proposed EU military operation in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic with up to four support staff pursuant to section 2 of the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 1960, for service with the EU mission in support of MINURCAT, established on 25 September, 2007 under UN Security Council Resolution 1778 (2007) .

I thank Members for agreeing to take this motion at very short notice. In commending it to the House, I wish to briefly outline the background to the proposed EU operation in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic, which has been authorised by the United Nations Security Council, and Ireland's response to the EU's request to nominate an Irish officer to the prestigious post of operation commander.

On 25 September 2007, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1778 (2007) establishing a multi-dimensional UN mission in Chad and Central African Republic that will help strengthen security in the region. Resolution 1778 (2007) establishes the mission, to be known as MINURCAT, for a period of one year, with a mandate focusing on the security and protection of civilians, particularly refugees, internally displaced persons and civilians in danger, and on human rights and the rule of law in eastern Chad and the north east of the Central African Republic.

More than 170,000 displaced Chadians and 236,000 Sudanese refugees live in camps in eastern Chad. These people have fled from Janjaweed attacks, widespread banditry and criminality and clashes between rebel and Government forces on both sides of the porous Chad-Sudan border. As Deputies will be aware, there is a very serious situation in the Darfur region of Sudan, where a further UN-authorised mission operating under the authority of the African Union is currently deployed. The widespread conflict and attacks by factions within Sudan has resulted in significant disruption and dislocation of the local population leading to a significant refugee problem in neighbouring countries, particularly Chad and the Central African Republic. Allied to this, factions opposed to the current Chad Government have used Sudan as a base to launch attacks across the border into Chad causing further disruption to the local population and impeding the distribution of humanitarian aid. Moreover, in August 2007, serious flooding in eastern Chad washed out several camps and seriously hampered aid agencies' assistance to tens of thousands of people.

Since May 2007, there has been some improvement in Chad-Sudan relations and, in what seems to be a related development, the intensity of clashes between Government and rebel forces has reduced. Progress is also being made in the EU-facilitated inter-Chadian dialogue between the Government and the political opposition. In August 2007, the two sides signed an accord that establishes a new electoral framework designed to facilitate the holding of a legislative election by the end of 2009. The text also commits Chad's political parties to negotiation and dialogue with the armed opposition.

France has a close relationship with the Government of Chad and has long maintained a strategic military presence in that country. France's influence was crucial to securing the agreement of Chad to an EU military deployment under UN authorisation. Chad had previously refused to accept the military element of a UN mission, which was planned in February 2007, to address the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the country.

Since early September, the crisis in Chad has been given greater prominence by the visit of the UN Secretary General, who was there to build support for the proposed multi-dimensional UN mission. Mary Robinson also led a well publicised visit to Chad's camps during the same period.

The situation in the Central African Republic is at least as challenging. Since 2005, an already fragile situation has been exacerbated by the spill-over of instability from Darfur and Chad, the activities of criminal gangs and an armed rebellion in the north west and north east. There are more than 180,000 internally displaced in the north east of the Central African Republic and further significant displacement in the northwest. The Central African Republic's armed forces and police are in need of urgent reform and strengthening to allow them to provide security and achieve improved human rights protection standards.

The authorities of Chad and the Central African Republic have welcomed a possible EU military presence in their respective countries. In early October 2007, a peace deal was initialled in Libya between the Chadian Government and four of the country's rebel groups. It is hoped that the parties will build on this agreement. The signing of the accord presents an opportunity for greater stability in the region and, with the deployment of the UN mission, an improved environment for assisting and protecting refugees and supporting the distribution of humanitarian aid. The EU mission to Chad will complement the planned UN-African Union hybrid mission being launched by the UN in Sudan-Darfur by limiting the spillover potential from the conflict in Sudan.

The multi-dimensional presence will consist of three components: UN mission, MINURCAT, composed of UN police, rule of law, human rights and other civilian officers; a special Chadian police-gendarmes unit — 850 strong — dedicated exclusively to maintaining law and order in refugee camps, sites with concentrations of internally displaced persons and key towns, and assisting in securing humanitarian activities in eastern Chad; and an EU military deployment under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

UN Security Council Resolution 1778 authorises the European Union, under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, to deploy for a period of one year from the date that its initial operating capability is declared by the European Union in consultation with the Secretary General. The EU forces will be deployed to eastern Chad and the north east of the Central African Republic. The EU forces are authorised to support the United Nations and to take all necessary measures within its capabilities and its area of operation to fulfil the following functions: to contribute to protecting civilians in danger, particularly refugees and displaced persons; to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and the free movement of humanitarian personnel by helping to improve security in the area of operations; and to contribute to protecting United Nations personnel, facilities, installations and equipment and to ensuring the security and freedom of movement of its staff and United Nations and associated personnel. The UN element of the mission is targeted primarily at supporting the civil administrations in Chad and the Central African Republic to protect refugees and camps with the support of a UN police element and liaison officers.

The EU is planning to launch this operation as a matter of urgency. The intention is to have an initial operational capability on the ground in December, with the operation fully functional by the end of January next at the latest. The decision of the Council of the European Union to launch the mission is expected this week. The decision, which is referred to as a joint action, will identify the operation headquarters, the operation commander and the estimate of the common costs of the operation.

Ireland has been asked to provide the operation commander for the EU element of MINURCAT. The role of the commander is to manage the overall military operation and to provide the military interface among the military operation and MINURCAT, the EU and the UN. The EU procedure requires that the name of the operation commander be included in the Council decision to launch the operation. That decision is anticipated in the coming week. On 2 October 2007, the Government approved the nomination of Major General Pat Nash to the post. He, together with up to four support staff, will be based at the operation headquarters in Paris and, subject to Dáil approval and a decision by the Council of the European Union, will assume immediate leadership in the planning and launch of the operation.

The motion before the House is extremely limited in scope and relates solely to the dispatch of a member of the Permanent Defence Force as operation commander, together with a number of headquarters support staff. The nature of any further contingent of the Defence Forces to participate in this mission is being worked out and contingency planning for a possible contribution to the mission is ongoing. The proposed nature of such a contribution, and the basis of our current planning, is a contribution of approximately 300 to 350 personnel forming an APC mounted infantry battalion. However, this is purely a planning framework and is subject to further consideration and analysis, including risk assessment, by the Defence Forces. I assure the House that there is no commitment involved at this stage. However, to advance the planning framework, I have authorised the Chief of Staff to undertake a reconnaissance mission, including visits to the region and to the designated headquarters for the operation in Paris. The Defence Forces will also participate in the EU reconnaissance mission scheduled to depart for Chad later this week.

In the event that the Defence Forces can make a meaningful contribution to the mission and if it meets all the other criteria, including the risk assessment, force protection test and environmental assessment, I would then intend to quickly bring forward detailed proposals to Government. Assuming that the Government approves the deployment of a contingent, I will revert in due course to seek the further approval of Dáil Éireann for the dispatch of such a contingent in accordance with the requirements of the Defence Acts.

The costs associated with the nomination of the operation commander relate to the salary of the nominee and his replacement in the Defence Forces. These costs will be met from within existing resources. However, the costs of the overall EU operation and the proposed Irish deployment as part of this operation will be very significant. Chad is land-locked, extremely isolated and has little in the way of infrastructure, roads, rail or airports. As such, there will be a requirement to develop infrastructure to allow for deployment and resupply of missions. It is expected that the deployment and sustainment of the operation will have to be mainly by air. In addition, the provision of suitably equipped sites, airstrips, medical evacuation, etc., will all be costly due to the location and nature of the terrain.

All EU member states, irrespective of participation, will contribute to the common costs of the operation unless they specifically opt out of doing so at Council. Common costs are payable, in accordance with EU Council Decision of 17 June 2002, through the ATHENA mechanism, which is responsible at EU level for the collection of member states' contributions and disbursement of moneys received in respect of operational common costs. Each troop-contributing nation also meets its own "nation borne costs", while direct operational costs for members contributing personnel are met on a "costs lie where they fall" basis.

The estimate of the common costs of the operation remains under negotiation among the member states at the Council and an outcome is expected in the coming week. Under the gross national income key, which is used to determine member states' contributions, Ireland will contribute at the rate of 1.23% of assessed common costs. The full costs of our participation will become known over the coming weeks. Regardless of whether Ireland participates directly in the proposed EU mission, we will be faced with a significant financial cost. In the event that it is ultimately decided to participate with 300 to 350 troops in the mission, the combination of common costs and nation-borne costs may make this the most expensive mission ever undertaken by the Defence Forces. Unlike UN operations, there is no reimbursement from the EU for costs incurred in participation in the operation. However, the massive scale of suffering calls for a response. Affluent western countries, such as Ireland, have a duty to step up to the plate. We must not be found wanting when it comes to paying our share of the cost of supporting the United Nations in providing for the safety of and security for the innocent victims of conflict.

This is a very important mission for the EU and for Ireland. The post of EU operations commander is a very prestigious position. It is a recognition of the standing of the Defence Forces in the field of peace support operations generally. It also recognises the scale of our potential contribution to this particular operation. Holding this position would also contribute to ensuring that the quality and security of the proposed Irish contingent is maximised. It reaffirms Ireland's support for the UN and multilateralism in a meaningful and substantive way. I commend the motion to the House.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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As the Minister said, the motion before the House is extremely limited in scope and relates solely to the dispatch of a member of the Permanent Defence Force as operation commander, together with a number of headquarters support staff. However, it gives us an opportunity to discuss the future mission that obviously will follow this appointment.

I congratulate Major General Pat Nash on his appointment. It is a measure of the regard other European nations have for the abilities and training of the Irish Defence Forces that they requested an Irish operations commander. His extensive service with the UN and his involvement in the EU monitoring mission in the western Balkans have undoubtedly prepared him well for this role and he should serve the EU as he has already done.

Since this is an upcoming issue, Irish involvement in the Chad peacekeeping mission is the right thing to do and certainly has the support of this side of the House. Since the prospect of an easy resolution of the ongoing military conflict in Sudan is unlikely, the refugee crisis will continue to be a major problem. In the face of long-running inaction by the international community, Ireland will be leading by participating in this important humanitarian mission, supplying possibly up to 350 troops of the EU force, which could amount to 4,000 in Chad and the Central African Republic.

Through the appointment of an Irish operations commander and the upcoming authorisation of Defence Force participation in the Chad mission, this House affirms that Ireland takes its responsibility to the international community seriously and is prepared to play its part. The brutality of the conditions in Darfur and the internally displaced people's camps is well documented. More than 250,000 people have been killed and more than two million people have been displaced. There are 238,000 refugees in camps in Chad alone. Once the displaced have escaped the brutality of the civil war and militia attacks in their villages, they are subject to the threat of disease, starvation, unhygienic refugee camps, as well as continuing militia attacks, abuse, murder and rape within the camps for internally displaced peoples. Aid workers find access to these camps difficult and dangerous due to the geographic and environmental conditions and attacks on aid workers. This could be the next Rwanda and we must take every action possible to halt this tragedy of inhuman proportions before it escalates further.

The current African Union, AU, force deployed in the Sudan is entirely insufficient and UN action on the situation was finally accomplished, with excessive and regrettable delay, through Resolutions 1778 and 1779. The acceptance of the need for this action by the Sudanese and Chinese governments was long overdue. The delay caused by both governments' resistance has resulted in years of additional murder, famine and displacement. Participation in the Chad operation is the best support we can give to the UN-AU hybrid mission in the Sudan.

While our involvement is appropriate and necessary, there are a number of issues of serious concern that must be addressed before we send our troops to Chad. I raised one of these issues in the Dáil last week. In fact, I probably raised both issues. The first issue is the lack of sufficient air support for Irish troops. As I said last Thursday, Chad is approximately 15 km inland. The Minister accepted here today that it is a very inaccessible country. The only way one can get in and out is through airlifts. The fact that we must depend on others to provide this service for us makes us vulnerable. I know the Minister will say that in the case of Liberia, we were able to depend on others, such as the Dutch for a medical backup service. However, that was on a coastline; this is different. We are certainly vulnerable when it comes to resupply and taking injured people and those with other difficulties out. For example, the French have a continuous resupply line open to them. Apparently, they are bringing in fresh water on a continuous basis and will be in and out all the time. Maybe, we can depend on them but this may not be the case at all times.

Whereas we may not have the time to do it, I would certainly recommend that the Minister seriously consider what I proposed here last week. I proposed that the Government look at the purchase of, for example, a Hercules transport aircraft which can take approximately 50 troops at one time, for future missions. It would be an idea for this type of mission. The Minister said that it would be expensive and that it would be lying idle when there was no mission. That is not the case. It could be used in rapid reaction operations and for humanitarian and other purposes. Will the Minister clarify that the Department of Defence will charter an aircraft, for which one trip will cost approximately €300,000? This cost would be not be incurred if we had our own aircraft-carrying capacity. Will the Minister consider leasing aircraft, such as a Boeing 737 combi aircraft, which would only cost €150,000 a month?

Unlike previous missions, which lasted six months, this mission's term will be four months. Troops will be based in camp for this period, which will lead to many issues, particularly psychological stress. It is important the troops have both a physical and mental health back-up service.

As recently as 8 October, the UN Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations expressed concern as regards air cover in the Sudan. If there was insufficient air cover in Sudan, I would be concerned that air cover in Chad would be transferred to Sudan to make up the shortfall, leaving troops in Chad more vulnerable. The Under-Secretary General asked European countries to contribute 18 transport helicopters and six light tactical helicopters, stating civilian and commercial helicopters are no substitute for the required military equipment. Ongoing attacks on peacekeeping forces and humanitarian aid workers in Darfur, combined with insufficient helicopter capabilities make it more likely the helicopters committed to Chad and the Central African Republic may be needed in Sudan. These are the same concerns I raised on Question Time last week.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I understand the element of urgency in the motion and the Fine Gael Party is happy to facilitate the Government in this regard. In the past three years, I was coordinator for human rights for the EPP-ED group on the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs. We passed seven different motions relating to the conflict in Darfur and western Sudan and its impact on the region. The Darfur conflict has seen misery, murder, rape and some of the most appalling humanitarian conditions prevail. The result has been the flow of people from Darfur to eastern Chad.

I am proud the UN peacekeeping mission to Chad will be led by an Irish military officer. Major General Pat Nash, who I have met on many occasions in Collins Barracks in Cork and other venues, will relish taking on this challenge. He has much experience in the Balkans but this will be by far his largest challenge. He will be responsible for providing the operations commander for up to 4,000 peacekeeping troops in Chad, a significant peacekeeping effort. It is a positive appointment enhancing Ireland's reputation for peacekeeping.

Getting a mission ready for January leaves a short timescale for what will be a complicated challenge. Major General Nash will liaise between the UN and the EU and produce reports on the build-up of the mission. It would be helpful if these reports on support systems for troops were laid before the Dáil. We do not want to send troops into a war zone without sufficient support in equipment or numbers.

This mission is a positive development for the EU, largely due to the efforts of France's new President, Mr. Sarkozy. The EU must take a more proactive position in supporting UN efforts at peacekeeping. Even though we must make sacrifices in budgets, costs which the Minister outlined, we can well afford it. Any Member who has been to that part of Africa knows the conditions people live under are almost like those from another planet. The relatively small sacrifice in moneys is negligible when related to our responsibilities as a wealthy country in a wealthy continent to provide leadership in protecting people and their human rights.

What is happening in Darfur is an international scandal. Ireland is as responsible as other EU member states in allowing the massacre continue over three years of over 250,000 people, many of them women and children. The establishment of this peacekeeping mission is a signal that something concrete will be done. However, this mission is about protecting a refugee population. We must ensure sufficient troop numbers and supports are put in place in Darfur, the real open sore of this conflict. That can only happen through increased pressure and brave decision-making at EU level, which has not happened in the past five years.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Tá áthas orm thar cheann Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre ár lán-thacaíocht a thabhairt don rún an-tábhachtach seo.

Is onóir mhór í do na Fórsaí Cosanta agus don tír go mbeidh Ceannasaí Oibríochtaí Éireannach le haghaidh oibríocht mhíleata beartaithe ag an AE i bPoblacht Shead agus i bPoblacht na hAfraice Lár agus líon nach mó ná ceithre bhaill fóirne ina theannta. Léiríonn sé seo stádas na hÉireann san Aontas Eorpach i leith oibreachtaí den tsórt seo. Tá gach dealramh ar an scéal go mbeidh saighdiúirí de chuid na hÉireann páirteach san oibríocht mhíleata seo agus cé go mbeidh deacrachtaí móra ag baint leis an oibríocht mhíleata, tá gach dóchas againn go n-éireoidh go maith leis an gCeannasaí Oibríochta, an Maor Ghinearál Pat Nash le saighdiúirí na tíre seo agus le gach dream eile a bheidh páirteach.

Os rud é go bhfuil Ceannasaí Oibríochta Éireannach ar an oibríocht mhíleata seo, tá súil ag na húdaráis go mbeidh níos mó tíortha den Aontas Eorpach toilteanach páirt a ghlacadh san oibríochta i Sead agus i bPoblacht na hAfraice Láir.

It is a matter of pride for me on behalf of the Labour Party to fully support the motion to approve the despatch of Major General Pat Nash to take up the position of operations commander for the proposed EU military operation in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic, with up to four support staff, for service with MINURCAT. The MINURCAT mission was established by the UN Security Council with the unanimous adoption of Resolution 1778 (2007) for a period of one year. The mission will be multi-dimensional to help strengthen security in the Chad-Central African Republic region. The fact that the authorities of Chad and the Central African Republic have welcomed a possible EU military presence is positive and encouraging.

There are 240,000 Sudanese refugees in 12 camps in eastern Chad. These have fled from the fighting in Darfur. There are more than 170,000 internally displaced persons, IDPs, in Chad. There is also the issue of civilians in danger in Chad. There are water and firewood shortages, for instance, and a serious problem as regards lack of respect for and the rape of women. The intention is to have the operation fully functional by the end of next January, with the initial operation capability on the ground in December. That is an ambitious target, but I believe it can be met, bearing in mind the calibre of the person who has been nominated as operations commander.

Major General Pat Nash will be based in Paris. He is to immediately take up leadership of the operation. As the Minister pointed out, his appointment is contingent on today's motion being passed as well as a further motion being sanctioned at European level. He will be the link between the operation and MINURCAT and the EU and the UN. While as yet no decision has been taken as regards the Irish Defence Forces' contingent participating in MINURCAT, I believe this is something that is likely to happen. The decision will arise in the context of the reconnaissance mission report becoming available.

I compliment the Minister on his foresight in sending the Chief of Staff on a reconnaissance mission, departing this week, to get the earliest possible knowledge about what the operation will entail. A Government decision will obviously be necessary in terms of the 350 likely to take part in this mission and a further motion of approval by the Dáil, by which stage we will have a great deal more detail of logistical and other considerations that will be part of the deployment.

In Resolution 1778, the UN Security Council reiterates its concern that ongoing violence in Darfur, eastern Chad and north-eastern Central African Republic might further negatively affect the region. The Chad initiative will complement the planned UN-African Union hybrid mission. The hybrid mission is being launched by the UN in Sudan Darfur. It will limit the spillover potential from the conflict in Sudan. On the security and protection of civilians, the multi-dimensional MINURCAT presence in liaison with the UN country team is to train, advise and facilitate support for the PTPH, the policing concept of the Secretary General of the United Nations. The PTPH will be dedicated exclusively to maintaining law and order in refugee camps, sites with concentrations of IDPs and key towns in neighbouring regions as well as securing humanitarian activities. The Government of Chad is to be encouraged to set up the PTPH, with emphasis on the urgent need to provide logistical and financial support for it.

The MINURCAT mandate will include liaising with the national army, gendarmerie and police forces, the nomads, national guard, judicial authorities and prison officials in Chad and in the Central African Republic in regard to contributing to the creation of a more secure environment. The mandate includes liaising with the UNHCR and the Government of Chad to support efforts to relocate refugee camps in close proximity to the border and to provide logistical assistance for the UNHCR. The exchange of information on emerging threats to humanitarian activities with relevant governments, unions of states and other agencies will be part of the close liaison envisaged by the UN Security Council resolution.

The UN resolution focuses on human rights and the rule of law, paying particular attention to sexual and gender-based violence, the strengthening of civil society and ending the use of children by armed groups. Last week in the Dáil, the Minister assured us, in response to a question I had tabled relating to the report of the Ombudsman for Children, that there was still some doubt as to whether persons under 18 could become involved in hostilities. In the Irish context, that would probably be restricted to the details in regard to the movement of cash and prisoners. I was very pleased, however, that the Minister gave a categorical assurance that no person under 18 in the Irish Defence Forces would be so exposed. In that context we have absolutely clean hands in terms of moving towards this terrible practice of having children involved with armed groups.

The Security Council resolution authorises the European Union operation in liaison with the Governments of Chad and the Central African Republic: in addition to contributing to protecting civilians in danger, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, the free movement of humanitarian personnel and to protect UN facilities, installations and equipment. MINURCAT is to achieve an orderly disengagement at the end of the period of operation. The initial period of operation is for one year. Does the Minister envisage that it might be deemed appropriate to extend the mission as the end of the year approaches if the prospects for achieving the objective are positive? Would he be favourable to such an extension, in the event?

MINURCAT is to achieve that orderly disengagement. The multi-dimensional mission addresses a most daunting task. The UN military operation will provide major support services. The fact that the deputy chief of staff of the Defence Forces has been nominated to the role of operations commander is indicative of the excellent contribution of Ireland and the Defence Forces to other UN missions over many years. It is fair to say that it is widely recognised not least by the missions where people were well served by the Irish and the recipients of what was provided by the Irish forces. These operations are complex, requiring sensitivity, professionalism, patience and a basic desire to make the world a better place for everybody. This mission will enhance the standing and perception of Ireland and its Defence Forces internationally but, more importantly, it will significantly contribute in a lasting way to the security and protection of civilians, human rights and the rule of law.

At least 200,000 people have died in Darfur while more than 2 million have been forced to leave their homes. Indeed, there have been reports in recent weeks of such happenings. Next year, the UN and the African Union will jointly deploy the world's largest peacekeeping force — a force of 26,000 — to Darfur. Hopefully, this force will substantially reduce the overspill into the Republic of Chad by its contribution to bringing about peace in Darfur.

On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish Major General Nash, all other military personnel and other personnel who will be involved in this mission every success. It is a most challenging undertaking not least because people's lives will be at risk and people risk very serious injury, but that is part of the military way. However, I am sure every possible precaution will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of our troops are observed at all times.

When the Minister referred to Ireland as an affluent western country, I had to dwell on that point, but it is true. This is the most expensive mission ever undertaken by Ireland. The Minister is right that we are now in a position to make a real and substantial contribution in respect of this terrible human tragedy. Effectively, we will deal with the overspill in the context of Chad and the Central African Republic. However, as I said, there are now indictions of measures being undertaken which should bring about substantial change for the better in Darfur.

My colleague and the Minister's constituency colleague, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, told me earlier that she was part of a parliamentary delegation which went to Lebanon in recent times and that the commander there was Major General Pat Nash. She spoke about how well this all-female delegation was received by Major General Nash. She also told me that he happens to be a Limerick person.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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We will not hold that against him.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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I am sure that had nothing to do with his selection in spite of where the Minister comes from. I wish the Minister well with this mission. On behalf of the Labour Party, I reiterate my full support for the motion.

Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to share time with Deputy Michael Mulcahy.

This motion seeks approval for the dispatch of Major General Pat Nash to the position of operations commander for the proposed EU military operation in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic, an issue in which I have an interest. Like many people in Ireland, I have an interest in issues of conflict across the globe. This probably stems from the time I worked in Nicaragua in solidarity with the Sandinistas in the 1980s. They had overthrown the corrupt Somoza in 1979. In that conflict, the US funded the opposition which, ultimately, overthrew the democratic government.

Since that conflict I always feel a huge sense of disappointment when I see foreign troops on another country's soil. It rarely has long-term positive effects. My gut instinct is that however bad things become in a divided country, it is best to let the different sides determine their own future. However, to refuse to send peacekeepers to countries like Chad and the Central African Republic would be like passing by while an elderly person is mugged on the streets. As the Minister said, we must step up to the plate. This is a very wealthy country. However, I say with a certain amount of reluctance that this is the right thing to do.

This is a serious intervention which I do not believe anybody can dispute. The appointment of Major General Pat Nash is a sign of how seriously we take this issue. The situation in Chad is very serious. It has a population of 10 million and, as previous speakers mentioned, there are 280,000 refugees and approximately 180,000 internally displaced people. Life expectancy is approximately 43 years of age. Dealing with this is a fairly bleak prospect for any country or force.

We must also show that the international community and this force takes the opposition, particularly in Chad, seriously. President Deby recently changed the constitution to suit himself and his supporters. This led to inevitable violence. Such violence is only to be expected when people make such changes to suit themselves. It is no coincidence that the constitutional change coincided with the dramatic increase in revenue from the new found oil reserves. With the arrival of oil and US investment, there would be a concern that our new found interest is oil-related. We must really work hard to ensure this impression is not accurate.

This force is composed of many nations, with France as the core nation. However, given the colonial past, the French may not be perceived as honest brokers. I am concerned that may cast a shadow over the entire force. Rebels and the opposition may perceive the force as an aggressive unit as I believe French soldiers prevented the capture of the capital by the opposition. French participation may contaminate the force and this must be borne in mind in any future negotiations.

Libya, a country seen as an international pariah for a long time, has been quite involved in progressing peace in this region and it is important to acknowledge that point. Another concern we must have is the close proximity of Chad and the Central African Republic to Darfur. Previous speakers mentioned it has 280,000 refugees and over 180,000 internally displaced people. This makes the situation even more complicated. I understand fighting has gone through a lull over the past number of months because of the ongoing negotiations and the rainy season which meant military operations were not easy to carry out. The rainy season is over and it is likely there will be increasing pressure for further military action from both sides.

This is not only a great honour for Major General Pat Nash but also for our armed forces which have served around the world with distinction. Despite concerns over French domination of the force and worries over what could be perceived as western intervention, I have no doubt the contribution of an Irish operations commander will facilitate the smooth running of the one-year mission in a region with dire humanitarian security needs.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I, too, congratulate Major General Patrick Nash on his appointment to the position of operations commander for the proposed EU operation in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic. Much has been said about the great honour his appointment represents to Ireland and the Defence Forces.

I have had the pleasure of dealing with the Defence Forces and noted that they are at no time unwilling to participate in peacekeeping missions, regardless of the part of the world they are asked to go. No country in the European Union has the vast peacekeeping experience of the Irish troops and therefore we should be very proud of them.

There is a very thin line between peacekeeping and peace enforcement. If we are to ask troops to participate in what is effectively a peace enforcement mission, it is vital that they be equipped properly and have a clear mandate at the outset. Ultimately, we owe it to the troops despatched on overseas missions, and their families, to ensure their safety abroad and their safe return. I have no doubt that, in keeping with what has happened heretofore, this will happen but it is nevertheless important to state the need to ensure that it be done.

I am particularly pleased to see that the European Union, as a body, is meeting its responsibility in this mission. I note with concern, however, that it may be the case that some EU states will have the option to opt out of meeting its cost. I object totally to this. If we do not operate as a united European Union when engaging in peacekeeping and peace enforcement and leave it to some nations to pick and choose, the Union will lose credibility.

I have always held the view that the Union, as a unit, should play its part in the United Nations. I still believe the Union should have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and that it should fund the United Nations in a proper fashion. Like some other major powers throughout the world, the United Nations has been strapped for money over the years. While it would be far better if the African Continent were supported in its efforts to deal with problems within its own boundaries, we learned a lesson in this regard in respect of Somalia. When everybody else stood back, the United States moved in and a total disaster ensued. It is a very difficult exercise to participate in a peacekeeping mission.

During my term as Minister for Defence, I had the pleasure of meeting the then military attaché for the United States, who openly suggested to me it would be of great benefit if we allowed senior officers of the US defence forces to attend our peacekeeping school in the Curragh. He admitted openly that they knew nothing about real peacekeeping. What they knew about, and possessed, was the most modern weaponry in the world, and they were trained to use it. I, the Minister and Deputy Billy Timmins, a former member of the Defence Forces whom I had the pleasure of meeting on a couple of occasions when he was on duty with the United Nations in Lebanon and Cyprus——

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I must say it was very enjoyable.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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——know at first hand that the role of peacekeeper is a very difficult one. It is not about going in with all guns blazing, it is a question of making contact and gaining the confidence of the people who need to be supported. The Irish are the best in the world in this regard because we have this unique skill. I hope that skill will be used when our troops go to Chad and the Central African Republic. It is important that an Irish person has been chosen to work as operations commander.

I believe ultimately in the proper funding of the United Nations. The European Union should act as a unit in supporting these missions, not only by providing troops but also by putting its hand in its pocket. I do not see why any EU member state should be able to opt out of helping to meet the cost of this mission. As the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, mentioned in his speech, no member state is unable to contribute in accordance with its wealth. The right way for the EU to organise these missions is for every member state to pay its share in line with its individual wealth.

It has been pointed out that this mission is being organised as a consequence of what is happening in Sudan. As previous speakers said, the sooner we tackle that problem, the better. Those of us who are not from Africa are not fully au fait with the manner in which the boundaries of various countries on that continent, such as Somalia, were formed in the first place. There are many questions to be asked in that regard. Do we know about the culture involved, for example? To what extent are we familiar with the methods of governance used in these countries? I refer to the tribal system, for example. It is dangerous to send outsiders to Africa if they do not know what is happening on the ground.

I am glad that we seem to have learned our lesson. The EU was cowardly — we stood back and allowed a slaughter to take place — when the difficulties in the former Yugoslavia escalated. If we can play a real peacekeeping role as part of the efforts being made to solve the problems in Chad and the Central African Republic, we will be playing our proper role in world politics. We have learned from the terrible happenings in Rwanda. I do not think we can hold our heads with great authority in that respect.

This motion seeks the permission of the Dáil for the dispatch of Major General Pat Nash as operations commander of a proposed EU mission. I understand and appreciate that the Minister will bring a further motion before the House when a decision needs to be made on the strength of the force that Ireland will send in support of the mission. The mission should be a real EU operation. It should not be confined to half, or a quarter, of the EU. While some member states may not be in a position to supply troops to the mission, each member state should contribute to its cost. I am not considering this aspect of the matter purely from a financial perspective. I hope the point will be strongly made at a meeting of the Council of Ministers that each member state should recognise this mission by making a commitment to it. This may be a matter for the foreign Ministers of the EU member states, but I do not doubt that the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, will have an opportunity to speak to his colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, at some point. If he agrees with me, he will make this point to the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern. The most important thing is the message that is sent out. If we can afford to fund the entire operation, that is not the point. The EU, as a whole, should show that it is committed to playing its part in this important mission.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the opportunity to speak briefly during this debate. With the permission of the Chair, I would like to preface my remarks by mentioning that, with my local colleagues, I represent a constituency where a double murder took place last Friday. I extend my sympathies to the families that have been affected. I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for allowing me to comment on the matter.

As somebody who has been interested in Army and defence matters for some time — I served for the past five years as a member of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights — I am happy to contribute to this important debate. I have had many opportunities to contact the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, since he was appointed to this area. I do not wish to be flippant during a serious discussion of this nature when I mention that the Minister, of whom I am a big supporter, is of course from Limerick, and people often speak about the bonds between Limerick and Tallaght.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Is there a connection between Limerick and Tallaght?

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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There is. It is sometimes claimed that Limerick is bigger than Tallaght, but that is not the case.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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What about the link between Tallaght and Chad?

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I want to be serious. Like Deputy Timmins, I spent a great deal of time at meetings of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights. I will make the point on Thursday that the joint committee should spend more time discussing defence issues. The justice portfolio has dominated the committee over the past five years, which is fair enough when one considers that many serious matters, including issues which were raised in the Dáil today, have arisen. Defence is as important as some of those issues, however.

Like my colleagues, I welcome the appointment of Major General Pat Nash, who is clearly the right man for the job. I note that he lists hurling, rugby and golf as some of his interests — I am not sure he will have many opportunities to pursue them in Africa. I wish him well. It is important that the Dáil has this opportunity to record its appreciation of the work of the Army. I refer in particular to the work of Major General Pat Nash, who follows a great tradition of Army staff who have served overseas over the years. I am old enough to remember being given time off school to attend the sad funeral services in Dublin of Army personnel who had been killed on the African continent in 1960 and 1962. Many people have spoken over the years about the great work that has been done by the predecessors of Major General Pat Nash, such as General Seán MacEoin, who served in the Congo in the 1960s, and General Jim Quinn, whom I visited in Cyprus. I was never in the Army, funnily enough.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy is heading that way.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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My brother-in-law was in the Army, however.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I knew there had to be some connection.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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When I went to Cyprus, I saw at first hand the great work that is done by the Army on such missions.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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There was bound to be a connection.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I was made an honorary member of staff of the UN on that occasion, to allow me to cross the then border within Cyprus. Members should not ask me how it was done.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I knew there was something there.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am not as inexperienced in these matters as Deputies might think.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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We could see that Deputy O'Connor had an Army connection.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I also remember the mission to Lebanon, which was led by General Bill O'Callaghan.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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We cannot beat that.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is clear that Major General Pat Nash is following a tremendous tradition of Army officers who have led serious missions. I wish him well in that regard. It is good that the Army, which has such a tremendous reputation, is being given an opportunity to undertake such important roles. This is not a political point.

Having listened to the previous speakers, I was interested in Deputy Barrett's comments and particularly impressed by Deputy Chris Andrews's knowledge of this issue. I am sure I am not supposed to mention the Leas-Cheann Comhairle in a speech but, like me, he is a member of the Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa. He does great work as the vice-president of that organisation. Deputy Barrett's contribution reminded us that there are difficulties on the continent of Africa. I have not had many opportunities to go to Africa, although the previous Minister of State with responsibility for overseas aid was always happy to offer to send me abroad if I wanted to go anywhere, but I was too busy.

In the past 12 years I have visited a number of African countries. I travelled to Zambia in a private capacity in 1995 and I served on an election mission along with former Senator Fergal Browne, who I am sorry to say is no longer a Member of the Oireachtas. He and I went to Ethiopia and I have also been to a couple of other African countries.

Even though this is a motion to do with defence matters, we should remember the difficulties being experienced in African countries. Ireland is now a significant player in both European and world politics and it has an opportunity to contribute to solving these difficulties. I hope Ireland will continue to play such a role. I am confident that under the stewardship of the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, this will be the case.

I welcome the Acting Chairman, Deputy Cregan to the Chair.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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He is a Limerick man.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Indeed, and he is a good man. I am a big supporter of Deputy Cregan. I know a lot about his constituency inLimerick and I wish him well.

To stay on the motion, on 25 September the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1778 establishing the UN mission in Chad and the Central African Republic. This will help strengthen security in that region.

I refer to the detailed and informed contribution by Deputy Chris Andrews. Since 2004, eastern Chad has hosted some 240,000 Sudanese refugees in 12 different camps who have fled the fighting in Darfur. Chad is also facing a surge in the number of refugees. The authorities in Chad and in the Central African Republic have welcomed the possible EU military presence in their respective countries and this should be welcomed by Members of the Irish Parliament.

The Chad mission will complement the planned UN-African Union hybrid mission being launched by the UN in Sudan-Darfur by limiting the potential for spill-over from the conflict in Sudan. I am pleased to note the EU is intent on launching this operation as a matter of urgency. The intention is to have an initial operational capability on the ground in December with the operation fully functional by the end of January 2008.

Major General Pat Nash follows a tradition of Irish military personnel who have served abroad. I have had occasion as a private citizen to observe how such personnel operate abroad. The UN resolution highlights the contribution made by the military personnel to community life in these countries. I noted this even in my limited experience of the few places in Africa which I have visited. Some Members have visited more countries than I have and are aware of missionaries and Army people who become involved in different community groups. I was forcibly struck by this involvement. It is important to note the Security Council has made the point in its resolution of, so to speak, looking after the local population. I know the Irish Army personnel will, both initially and when the bulk of the force arrives, become involved and I support this involvement.

On one occasion when I was fortunate enough to submit a Dáil question — backbenchers do not have that many chances — I made the following point to the Minister. Many former Army people — Deputy Timmins may be one of those — have a lot of knowledge to impart. I am aware that Army people may not like such suggestions but the Army should find a means of allowing such people to make a contribution. They have experience of the different missions in which the Army has been involved over the past 30 or 40 years.

I appreciate the opportunity to make a brief contribution and I wish Major General Pat Nash every success. I also wish the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, continued success in his brief and in the great work he is doing.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I take the point made by Deputy O'Connor about former Army personnel using their experience. It is a little ironic that the Government press secretary, Mr. Eoghan Ó Neachtain, is a former Army man. He will have to put all his skills to use to protect the Government. He may have been under fire and in difficulties in the past but they are nothing compared to what is ahead of him in the next few years.

I have followed Deputy O'Connor in speaking order on a number of occasions recently. He is a man for all seasons. He reminds me of a guy called Lucky Louis who ran a souvenir shop outside the church of the nativity in Bethlehem. He had something for every occasion. Deputy O'Connor is very adaptable and I wish to compliment him——

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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They are all true stories.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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He is ambidextrous.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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——on his speech although I am at pains to find a connection between Tallaght and Chad.

I find the quietness in the Chamber this evening ironic. I remember the debate on the Defence (Amendment) Bill which copperfastens Irish involvement in a mission such as this. I remember wailing from the benches behind me from the Green Party Members. The Minister will recall it well. I do not know if we are talking about the silence of the lambs but I look forward to the contributions of the Green Party and of Sinn Féin in this debate because several months later I am still at pains to understand how they voted against the Defence (Amendment) Bill. They may offer the House an explanation tonight.

I welcome Ireland's participation in the UN mission but the security of our forces must be ensured. The resources necessary for the troops must be provided. Both Chad and the Central African Republic have very limited infrastructure. Regardless of the cost, it is imperative that some infrastructure should be put in place before the deployment of our troops.

I am concerned that the African Union troops operating in Darfur are like lambs to the slaughter. I join in the condemnation of the atrocities involving the African Union troops in Haskanita the weekend before last when 12 members of the force lost their lives when they were overrun by rebels who were not the Janjaweed but who were in conflict with the government forces. Just because we are not involved in Sudan is no excuse to turn a blind eye to what is happening there. The commanding officer of the African Union force has stated that the force is under-resourced and is unable to deal with the difficulties. The last thing that must happen is for an EU mission to find itself in the same boat in Chad, which is a very isolated place.

Deputy Barrett referred to our success in Somalia and other speakers referred to the Congo. We have encountered difficulties on the Continent of Africa in the past and the situation is very volatile.

It is easy for politicians or well-intentioned people to call for EU, Irish or international involvement in Darfur in the Sudan but it is difficult to take such steps when a country does not wish UN involvement. It is very difficult to ascertain who is on what side in the conflict. The scenario is complex. It is easy to call for involvement but it is men and women, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, who must go out and put their lives on the line in a strange territory and a strange country. It is often difficult for them to see the beneficial aspects accruing from their involvement. There is an onus on this House to ensure that such troops, be they from Ireland or from Nepal or wherever, are not isolated.

I congratulate Major General Nash on his appointment to this position. Anybody who has played hurling for Ahane will not be too soft centred so he will undoubtedly be well able to manage. I have known him for some years and he is highly respected. He follows in the footsteps of many other Irish military personnel who have taken over various UN missions.

When I was in Cyprus, Deputy Barrett held the current Minister's portfolio. He was highly respected by the Defence Forces, of which I was a member. He visited us in Cyprus but there was trouble in Israel at the time so he was unable to visit Lebanon. He stayed a few extra days in Cyprus, which was very welcome as it meant a change in duties for us.

There was much political pressure on Ireland and the EU to participate in this force. I assume the French President, Mr. Sarkozy, put a certain amount of pressure on the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Minister for Defence makes the decision to send troops overseas. It is a dangerous and difficult decision; it is not as simple as flicking a switch. I commend the Minister for making this decision. If things go wrong, and they often do, people tend to start a blame game. However, all we can do is put in place the required resources for the personnel.

If a difficulty arises over there or we become concerned about something, we should say it. It is important to do that and not remain somewhere or do something purely for political appeasement purposes. Several speakers have mentioned the situation in Chad. That area of central Africa is extremely poor; there is poverty beyond our realisation. The situation in Sudan will have a major influence on how our force operates. The role of the EU force is mainly patrolling and security, although I note the Minister's comment that it has not been conclusively defined. However, I assume it will basically involve monitoring and keeping peace in the refugee camps on the Sudanese border which hold displaced people and refugees from Sudan, who number approximately 400,000.

In the recent past Chad refused to accept a military element in a UN mission but the French have great influence in Chad where the languages spoken are French and Arabic and, following French intervention, Chad agreed to accept it. We should try to build up a relationship with the Government in Chad. I do not know what, if any, relationship we currently have with it but that is a role for the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Operationally, General Nash will know how to carry out the mission. The link between the local Chadian police force, which numbers approximately 850 personnel, and the UN police force is most important. The success of the mission will depend on how the two forces get on with each other.

In the letters to the editor columns of the various newspapers, one regularly sees letters from people calling for assistance. They should keep in mind how difficult it is for the individuals who go to these areas. Many Irish people have lost their lives on UN missions. I pay tribute to them and their families. I wish Major General Nash well.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I congratulate Major General Nash on his appointment. It is a great personal honour for him and for the Defence Forces that a member of the Irish military is chosen to lead such a mission. It is also a tribute to the training and the involvement of the Defence Forces in UN missions over a number of years. Undoubtedly, Major General Nash and the personnel who accompany him will discharge their duties with the usual distinction and will do the country proud.

An occasion such as this should not pass without comment on the reasons for the deployment, which have been evident for a long time. There have been appalling atrocities in that part of Africa over the past ten years or so, each one bad enough to drive the previous one into oblivion. The problem continues. International commentators say such events should not happen. The great thing about modern communications is that we have the opportunity to watch these events almost at first hand on the television. The presentation of the deprivation, starvation, hardship and the ferocity of the wars that are waged on many fronts is graphic. It is also possible to recognise the intricacies of such situations. It is not simple to resolve the multifaceted problems. We have seen the evidence of that over many years.

Nevertheless, there is still a responsibility on us to be prepared at European and UN level to tackle such situations and to offer assistance and peacekeeping of a persuasive nature. That is what is required in that region. It is not as simple an operation as was given to other task forces in the past. This will be a particularly sensitive and difficult operation but our Defence Forces recognise that. They have been in such situations previously.

The recent experience of the various army personnel from Africa who were deployed to that area and who have suffered casualties underlines the necessity of ensuring that troops are deployed in sufficient numbers to be able to fend for themselves and to be self-sufficient on the ground. They must be able to bring whatever equipment is necessary. That means personal body armour, military hardware, gas masks and other equipment of the highest quality. It must be modern and available to everybody and it must work. The conditions under which the troops operate can be difficult and trying, and there are no second chances. If something goes wrong, it reflects on all of us. However, that will not happen. It should not happen because we have experience in these matters now.

The UN has awoken to the fact that these problems exist and are ongoing and that action must be taken. However, the slow speed with which the UN responds is most worrying. Every hour of every day some atrocity takes place. People are starved, shot, bombed or massacred. Every moment of delaying the deployments that are required in these sensitive areas, which have gained such public attention over recent years, is time wasted. The UN needs to think more seriously of using missions such as this. The mission is helpful and welcome but it would have been better if it had happened some time ago.

The same applies to our colleagues in the European Union. It is no good protesting about the atrocities if nothing is done about them. The EU is a powerful entity but it does not always exert itself in a positive way. It has proposals for rapid response forces, battle groups and so forth, but these things need to happen. Talking about them forever does nothing. They must be put in place soon.

I have said many times previously that we should consider increasing the strength of our Defence Forces at all levels, having particular regard to current and future deployments. It is possible that more calls will be made on our Defence Forces to take up postings abroad. It comes naturally from our previous experiences and given that the number of locations requiring peacekeeping forces is likely to increase. The Government is aware of this and we would be negligent if we did not respond adequately. However, if we respond adequately our Defence Forces will be stretched and this should not be the case.

In any democracy where defence forces support the police the common denominator should always apply that the numbers must be kept at a certain strength commensurate with the population. Our population has been increasing for some time. Will the Minister respond to this point? From the replies to the many parliamentary questions I tabled on this matter I believe these thoughts run through the minds of Department officials and the Minister.

Wherever our troops are deployed, whether on UN missions or otherwise, they should be familiar with their colleagues and it is of critical importance that they undergo adequate training whether at UN or EU level. Sufficient integration of training should occur and over such time as to ensure our troops are fully au fait with their colleagues and that their colleagues are fully au fait with their ability to work in the situation. I do not doubt this can, will and does happen. I did not get to Tallaght, Limerick or other places to which I wanted to travel during my speech, but I have no doubt I will in the future.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I thank Deputy Timmins for reminding people of our stance against EU battle groups. I made it consistently clear that we opposed Government moves to undermine and diminish the neutrality of the State. While we are happy this mission has the agreement of the United Nations, which in our view is a prerequisite for any Irish involvement in peacekeeping missions, it is not a UN peacekeeping force. It is the first of many EU battle group adventures abroad. With everybody else in the House we are worried about the deteriorating circumstances in Chad, particularly the lack of progress towards a political solution in the conflict.

We are concerned that there is little information on this mission. We have no information on its mandate or financing and we have real concerns about its aim. Major General Pat Nash is to take over command of the EU military operation preparing to deploy in Chad and the Central African Republic. I should congratulate him because it is an honour when an Irish citizen gets the recognition deserved for the position we have taken in the past. However, General Nash will be based at operation headquarters in Paris with a French officer taking over in the operations theatre. The bulk of the EU forces will be French. Despite the great contribution the French made to the EU in recent times, we are concerned about France playing such an important role in this force considering its previous role in the area as an imperial power.

Will the Taoiseach tell the House whether the agreement to send Irish troops to Chad was cobbled together with Nicholas Sarkozy during the recent rugby match between France and Ireland? What are the benefits which accrue to the Taoiseach? Many questions about the Chad regime are raised and much of its record is politically suspect. I urge caution. I only have two minutes to speak on this matter and I welcome the opportunity to do so. We must examine other aspects of this mission and according to the Order Paper we will return to it if more than five members are sent.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank all Members of the House for taking this motion so expeditiously, for their contributions and for recognising the importance of Ireland's and the Defence Forces' contributions to international peace and security. As I outlined in my initial presentation, this is an extremely important mission for the EU and Ireland.

The proposed EU operation will be undertaken under UN authorisation and will be the largest EU mission yet to be deployed. The Defences Forces will welcome the kind sentiments of the Deputies and their praise for the difficult work they undertake in furtherance of international peace. Ireland's contribution to this mission is a clear manifestation of the importance the Government attaches to the development of EU capabilities in the areas of crisis management and peacekeeping in support of the United Nations.

I will not have time to deal with all the points made by Deputies. Deputy Deenihan raised the issue of airlift capabilities. As I explained last week during Question Time, this will come about in two ways. We have an arrangement with commercial aircraft and our partners in missions sometimes get involved. At present, air support to the mission is being addressed at EU level. Appropriate re-supply arrangements for all troops will form part of the planning process for the mission which will be co-ordinated by General Nash. Planning for the mission is in the early stages. Requirements for strategic lift, tactical lift by helicopter and close air support will be examined as part of the risk assessment.

Deputy Coveney requested that reports made by General Nash during the build-up to the operation should be laid before the Dáil. I understand the recommendations of the operational commander are made to the political and security committee of the EU Council, not to me. I will inquire as to whether it is possible to obtain those reports and if so have them laid before the Dáil.

Deputy Coveney also raised the matter of a proper deployment for Darfur and I agree with what he stated. The projected size of this mission is approximately 30,000 troops, mainly from the African continent.

Deputy O'Shea requested an assurance that people under 18 years of age will not be involved in hostilities. Army regulations prevent people under 18 years of age from being sent abroad. I reiterate the assurance I gave last week that there is no circumstance under which people under the age of 18 can be actively involved in hostilities.

Deputy O'Shea also wondered whether we would continue after one year if it was strongly recommended that we do so. The situation will be reviewed in approximately six months and we will consider the outcome of the review. It is likely that a continuation after the initial 12-month period would involve a UN-led mission rather than an EU mission. Deputy O'Shea and other Deputies were concerned that every possible precaution be taken to ensure the safety of our troops and they can rest assured this will be done.

Deputy Chris Andrews was concerned about troops being deployed on foreign soil and the difficulties to which this gives rise. The EU operation is authorised by the United Nations. Just as importantly, it is at the request of the Governments of Chad and the Central African Republic. There is no question of the force being deployed unilaterally by western countries or previous colonial powers. The operation has no role in supporting the Chadean Government. Its sole role is to protect refugees.

Deputy Barrett is unhappy with the idea that certain people can opt out from common costs, but if they do so they must opt out at Council. To date we have no record of anyone opting out in this way. I take on board the Deputy's point. Deputy Timmins reminded us of the risk and the fact that this mission and responsibility should not be undertaken lightly. We should not presume the outcome of the risk assessment or further Government decisions regarding troops. We do not want to pre-empt those. If there is a decision to deploy, that will be discussed fully by the Dáil.

Deputy Timmins also raised the main responsibilities of the mission. I dealt with that matter on the last day at Question Time, but I will deal with it again when discussing the actual deployment.

I thank Members for their contributions and the very constructive tone of the debate. People have given me some suggestions that we can usefully look at. I commend the motion to the House. I remind Members that the motion is to approve the appointment of Major General Nash as the force commander. We will come back to the House if we are deploying troops.