Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for Defence the projected cost of the air transport element of the cost of the Irish participation in the forthcoming EU mission to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27771/07]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Defence the arrangements for level one, two and three medical care being made for the Irish troops who will participate in the forthcoming EU mission to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27747/07]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Defence the task confronting the Defence Forces personnel going to Chad; the logistical difficulties involved; and the risks associated with this mission. [27302/07]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Defence if the planned reconnaissance mission has travelled to Chad; if a report has been received; if he is satisfied that sufficient supply lines and appropriate logistical support will be available to any Irish contingent; when a final decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27713/07]

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Defence the support provisions such as leave, postal arrangements, telephone and Internet access that are being put in place for the Irish troops who will participate in the forthcoming EU mission to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27752/07]

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Defence the projected cost of the Irish participation in the forthcoming EU mission to Chad; if this amount will be provided in addition to the normal defence budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27767/07]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Defence the expected financial cost of Ireland's participation in the EU mission to Chad; the expenditure to date in preparing for the mission; if the Government will give an absolute commitment that the mission will not in any way be affected by reductions in State expenditure should any occur in the next financial year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27760/07]

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 13, 15, 26, 34, 36 and 38 together.

On 25 September 2007, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 1778 establishing a multidimensional UN mission in Chad and in the Central African Republic that will help strengthen security in the region. The resolution stipulated that the multidimensional presence would consist of (i) a new United Nations mission in Chad and the Central African Republic, to be known as MINURCAT, 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-eastern region of the Central African Republic; and (ii) troops deployed by the European Union with robust authorisation to protect and support it.

The operation on which the EU is engaged is designed to provide for the creation of a safe and secure area for refugees and internally displaced persons and to allow for the distribution of humanitarian aid. The nature of the operation is fully in accordance with Ireland's traditional policy of support for and participation in peace support operations, our close engagement in Africa and our support for the United Nations, which has authorised the proposed deployment of the peacekeeping troops.

Following Government and Dáil approval last month, acting Lieutenant General Pat Nash has taken up the position of operation commander of the EU military operation with four support staff at EU operational headquarters at Mont Valérien, Paris, France. A further six Defence Forces personnel were deployed late last month, following Government approval, for service at the headquarters of the EU operation. These staff will assist in ensuring the timely preparation and development of operational and logistical plans, rules of engagement, operational concepts etc. for the operation, which are currently being prepared.

A report on the proposed operation, following a detailed reconnaissance of the mission area and tasking, together with a threat assessment, is currently being completed. This will inform the final decision on the nature of our participation and the requirements in terms of force protection and other defence assets, should the Government decide to deploy troops on the ground in Chad. Subject to a satisfactory assessment, the Irish Defence Force contribution is expected to be in the region of 350 to 400 personnel.

The proposed EU force could comprise up to 4,000 personnel, the most significant element of which will be a French contribution. The force generation process to meet the EU operation commander's requirements to conduct the mission is currently under way. Other contributors currently include Sweden, Spain, Poland, Finland and Belgium. It is anticipated that further contributors to this mission will indicate their position at the force generation conference that will be held in Brussels tomorrow.

I understand that all troop-contributing nations will provide a role 1 medical facility. This medical support includes the capability to provide first aid, immediate lifesaving measures and triage. Planning arrangements are under way at EU level for the provision of higher levels of medical facilities, with appropriate ground and air MedEvac capabilities.

The Defence Forces are examining a range of support provisions, such as leave, postal arrangements, telephone and Internet access, which would be put in place for Irish troops should the Government decide to deploy a contingent to the EU operation.

As the planning for the mission is currently ongoing, I am not in a position to state categorically the details of logistical support for, and the projected costs of, the possible Defence Forces participation in the EU operation. However, in respect of the costs of the overall EU operation and the proposed Irish deployment as part of this operation, I can say that these will be significant. Given the isolation of the mission area and difficulty with the land routes — Chad is landlocked and nearly 2,000 km from the nearest port facility — the deployment and sustainment of the operation will have to be mainly by air. In addition, the provision of suitably equipped sites and airstrips will also be required. More information on equipment requirements and logistical support will be available when the report of the reconnaissance mission is provided to the Minister for Defence. The Government will be advised accordingly when the formal decision on participation in the force is presented for consideration.

Expenditure to date on preparations for possible Defence Forces participation in the mission has been limited. The financing of the operation will be dealt with in the context of the Estimates process, which is currently ongoing.

The Minister expects to bring proposals to Government shortly and, subject to the approval of the Government, to put the matter before Dáil Éireann before the end of November. Obviously, any decision to participate will be subject to the approval of Dáil Éireann in accordance with the Defence Acts. I apologise for the length of the reply but there were seven questions involved.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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I am concerned about the terrain and the number of rebels in Chad. As the Minister of State is aware, the number of refugees in Chad is estimated to be 400,000. In recent years, the area has been convulsed by violence. Clashes between the local ethnic and tribal groups run in tandem with guerilla attacks so there are fears for the safety of troops going out there.

The mission should be clearly set from the start. The EU force must make it clear to the population that it wants to serve and do what it can do for it. The people need to know what they can expect, what the force's mandate is and what it will do when it is out there.

I have concerns about some rebel groups who have said that they will attack the forces if they get in the way. In addition, it is impossible to police the entire zone, given the terrain of the country. It is really too big and the number of troops involved — 4,300 — might not be enough. Can the Minister of State tell me about the exit strategy? How does he see it panning out over the next few years?

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I mentioned earlier that I had some personal experience of this a few years ago, admittedly in 2004 towards the end of my time as Minister of State with responsibility for development, when I visited Darfur and found out about the security situation and dangers there. I pay tribute to the non-governmental organisations who are working in very dangerous situations. Obviously, I have been following developments there since due to my interest.

I went on a particular journey with John O'Shea of GOAL across a very isolated area for a number of hours. There is no doubt that we travelled through an area where the Janjaweed and other rebel groups were present so I am very conscious of the security situation in Darfur and this neighbouring area.

The safety of Irish personnel serving overseas is always of paramount concern to the Government. While no absolute guarantee can be given with regard to the safety of troops serving in the mission, it goes without saying that it is policy and practice to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately trained and equipped to carry out their mission. All possible precautions are taken to ensure the safety of our troops. In addition, standard operating procedures are kept under review in light of experience and best practice.

From my own experience of visiting other fairly dangerous parts of the world, among them Liberia, I can say that getting interoperability with personnel from other countries right is a key point. As I said earlier, there will be a further meeting tomorrow with regard to who does what. All that preparation is taking place and I am delighted that our own officer, Lieutenant General Pat Nash, will be involved in that as he is a very capable person.

Our roles will be specific and we will be well equipped and clearly working with others. We will have particular roles as countries will have different roles. I know that issues with regard to the medical backup and our capability have been raised. We must combine and pool our resources in all of these areas. I am satisfied that all the preparations will be made. In respect of matters like equipment and training, I am satisfied that everything possible is being done. We assure Members that the safety of our personnel is paramount at all times.