Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 45: To ask the Minister for Defence the position in regard to the proposed deployment of Irish troops to Chad; if a new date for the operation has been set; if the issue of air support for the operation has been dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34478/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On 20 November 2007, the Government authorised the despatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the UN-mandated EU operation in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic. Dáil Éireann approved the necessary enabling motion on 28 November 2007.

It was initially expected that a Defence Forces initial entry force, comprising an advance party of approximately 50 personnel of the Army Ranger Wing and support elements, would deploy to the mission later this month. The main contingent, comprising some 400 personnel, which is currently undergoing selection and concentration prior to detailed mission-specific training, was expected to deploy in February or March 2008. However, the deployment of the initial entry force has been deferred until the new year as vital enabling elements such as helicopters, tactical aircraft and medical support associated with the launch of this operation are not yet in place. This deferral may — I emphasise the word "may" — have a knock-on effect on the deployment of the main body of the force.

I assure the House that there is no question of the Defence Forces deploying in theatre without the required enablers being in place. The shortfalls in vital key enablers for the mission are being actively examined and addressed by the operation commander in consultation with the European Union Military Committee. As I indicated to the House on 28 November 2007, I expressed my concerns about these shortfalls at a recent meeting of EU defence Ministers in Brussels. I urged my ministerial colleagues to consider the shortfalls and to actively support the mission, ensuring that it is adequately resourced and capable of fulfilling its mandate.

The current situation demands that all options should be explored in an effort to overcome the capability shortfalls for this mission. We need to do this expeditiously in order to reinforce the credibility of the ESDP as an EU instrument. To this end, I wrote to my EU ministerial colleagues last week appealing to them to consider constructively how they might be able to contribute to the successful launch and operation of this mission without further delay. The European Union has an opportunity to make a real and substantive contribution in Chad. If anything, the recent failure of the ceasefire and increase in hostilities points to the need for the international community, particularly the EU, to act to stabilise the situation and ensure vital humanitarian support for those on the ground.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Could the Minister tell us whether the other EU defence Ministers are responding to his call to play their part in providing the necessary support? I know the Minister only wrote to them last week, but has there been any response yet? How does the Minister view the reported declaration by rebel forces in Chad that a state of war will exist against foreign soldiers? Is there a real prospect that the 400 members of the Defence Forces may not be sent as peacekeepers to Chad? Is the danger from militias and bandits worsening? Has the Minister had any recent reports from the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

To answer the Deputy's last question first, I do not recall receiving anything from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Something may have come to my Department but I certainly have not seen it personally. The recent declaration by the rebel forces is obviously a cause for worry. That cannot be gainsaid. However, this is not the first time that one or other of the militias there have declared that they would behave in a hostile way towards any foreign troops on Chadian soil. This is because they think the foreign troops are coming in to aid the French, who were previously the colonial masters of Chad and still have a substantial involvement there. However, we have been emphasizing that this is a UN-mandated EU humanitarian mission. The fact that the French, because of their interest in and knowledge of the area, are the main contributors to the mission is neither here nor there. We are going in to perform humanitarian tasks, protect refugees and save lives. We have factored in all these elements, including the possible attitudes of the militias, in our threat assessment. Having done so, the advice available to me is that we are confident the troops are sufficiently trained, prepared and equipped to meet the mission's substantial challenges.

On Deputy O'Shea's first question, the answer is, happily, yes. Other EU Ministers are responding and there is movement. Without being too specific, one country that I do not wish to name because it has not gone through the internal process yet has offered the medical supplies required. A number of others are discussing providing funding to assist yet other countries to supply necessary logistical support, including aircraft etc. It is possible that a new force generation conference will be arranged for next Wednesday. If so, it is a sign that we are on the verge of a breakthrough.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Regarding air backup, particularly in terms of the number of helicopters required by MINURCAT, does the Minister agree with the number of 20 arrived at by the French? Is he confident that something like that will emerge from the European Council of Defence Ministers?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not want to get into numbers. In the Abéché area where the Irish troops will likely be based, we would need at least three med-evac helicopters and one fixed wing med-evac aircraft. More will be needed in other parts of Chad. We are making progress, the signs are hopeful and the operation commander, an Irish general — Lieutenant General Pat Nash — will not deploy the force until he and the EU Military Committee are satisfied beyond any shadow of a doubt that sufficient air support and other logistical supports are in place.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 46: To ask the Minister for Defence the projected cost of transporting all Irish troops and their equipment, personal and otherwise, to and from Chad over the duration of the participation of the Defence Forces in the forthcoming EU mission there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34559/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The proposed deployment of a Defence Forces contingent to the UN-mandated EU operation in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic will be the most expensive operation on which the Defence Forces have ever been deployed.

As the House will be aware, Chad is landlocked and nearly 2,000 km from the nearest port facility. There are few if any roads or infrastructure over which to transport personnel or equipment. It is essential that the contingent be completely self-contained and capable of undertaking its operations without depending on the availability of immediate resupply or reinforcement.

Due to the remote location of the mission's area of operations, deployment and resupply of the contingent will mainly be by air transport and, therefore, extremely expensive. It is estimated the cost to the Defence Vote arising from the Defence Forces' participation in this mission for 12 months will amount to approximately €57 million, including Ireland's €1.3 million contribution to common costs. Provision to meet the additional costs of the operation has been made in the Defence Vote in the Estimates for 2008. Preliminary estimates indicate that the cost of transportation of Defence Forces personnel and equipment to the mission area, including resupply and rotation flights, will be in the region of €20 million.

I appreciate that participating in this mission will present many challenges for the men and women of the Defence Forces. However, the Government is committed to ensuring that all of the necessary resources are provided. While the expenses associated with the mission are substantial, it will be undertaking a vital task in providing basic security for more than 400,000 refugees, many fleeing the Darfur crisis.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A figure of €20 million justifies the call I made to the Minister for Ireland to have its own transport capability. The figure of approximately €50 million has been mentioned in respect of two smaller aircraft with the capacity to transport people to and from Chad.

Last year, the Defence Forces acquired six new helicopters built to military spec. Why are they not being taken to Chad? They are supposed to be used by the military for military operations. Why are we leaving our people exposed in Chad if we have these at home? What are they being used for?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The cost of the type of aircraft necessary to transfer troops and equipment like Mowags to a destination such as Chad is in the order of €75 million. I am also told that the equipment is expensive to maintain and use.

I realise that €20 million for transportation — I can give the Deputy a breakdown — is a great deal of money. This is the most expensive mission in which we have engaged and never before have we spent €20 million to transport troops as a result of a UN mandate. The location of Chad causes particularly difficulties in this regard.

Concerning acquiring such an aircraft, the opinion of the Department of Defence and the military is that the amount of use to which it would be put would not justify the outlay or ongoing expense. Deputy Deenihan will be aware that the Government is committed to producing another White Paper on defence to cover the ten year period following 2010. It will propose a cost benefit analysis of acquiring such an aircraft.

Regarding Deputy Deenihan's comments on our helicopters and the troops being exposed in Chad, I have lost count of how many times I have stated that there is no question of our troops being exposed to unnecessary danger.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What about sending our helicopters out there?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have told the House again and again that the force commander and the EU Military Committee will not deploy the force, including Irish troops, until they are fully satisfied——

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is acceptable.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

——beyond a shadow of a doubt that all necessary logistical supports are in place.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What about sending our helicopters?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We cannot send our helicopters because they do not have the range. It is a vast country that contains the Sahara Desert and is as large as France, Spain and Germany put together, if not larger. Our helicopters do not have the range to do the job of air transport in such a huge interior.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

May I ask a brief supplementary question?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The time for this question has expired. The Deputy may ask a brief supplementary question.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It will be short. When not on military missions, could the aeroplanes not be used in the overseas aid programme, which is worth nearly €1 billion? We are spending a large amount of money to transport that aid around the world. Is there not a case for both uses?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Deenihan asked a question that I forgot to answer, namely, for what are the helicopters used. They are used for training purposes, search and rescue missions, as Garda backup and as Navy backup in fisheries protection. Regarding their use for foreign aid, that is certainly something that——

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am discussing going forward.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I appreciate that. It is worth considering and I will discuss it with my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs.