Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on the threat to Irish troops by a spokesman for rebel forces in Chad that they would be regarded as a hostile force due to their deployment with the French in the EU force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6828/08]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his meeting on 13 February 2008 in Paris with the Chad mission operational commander, General Pat Nash; and the position in regard to the proposed deployment of Irish troops in Chad. [6402/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.

The European Union military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic is being mounted in response to a direct request from the United Nations Security Council. This is the most widely supported military operation conducted in Africa by the EU. France will be making a sizeable contribution to the EU force of 3,700. However, France will be only one of 14 EU troop contributors on the ground in the mission area. When staff in the operational headquarters in Paris are taken into account, more than 20 EU member states will be represented, including the three EU neutrals, Sweden, Austria and Finland. Ireland is expected to be the second largest contributor of troops to the mission, which aims to protect civilians in danger, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and protect UN personnel. The mandate for this mission is robust and will be conducted under Chapter VII of the UN charter. EUFOR is committed to conducting its operations in a neutral and impartial manner and operates in full co-operation with the United Nations.

On 2 February 2008, a Sudanese-backed rebel column, consisting of 300 pick-up vehicles, each with ten to 15 combatants, advanced on Chad's capital, N'Djamena. Intense fighting ensued between the rebels and the Chadian forces on 2 and 3 February 2008. The situation in N'Djamena is now reported to be calm and the Chadian Government is in control. The recent incursion by rebel forces is a matter for the Chadian authorities and does not fall within the remit of the EU mission.

As for the threat posed to Irish troops to be deployed as part of the EU force, the military authorities have assessed the recent actions by rebel forces as an attempt to influence the situation on the ground prior to the EUFOR deployment. While at least one rebel group has declared that it considers itself in a state of war against the French or any foreign army on Chad's territory, it is thought unlikely that it will attempt to engage with EUFOR troops.

I assure the House that ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and the Department continually reviews both personal equipment and force assets to ensure Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles. The planned deployment to Chad will be no different. While no mission is without danger, I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.

On 13 February 2008, I visited the mission's operation headquarters, OHQ, in Paris and met the operation commander, Lieutenant General Pat Nash. He briefed me on the current situation and the plans for recommencement of deployment of EUFOR troops to the mission area.

Lieutenant General Nash confirmed that the situation in Chad has now stabilised. However, the urgent necessity to provide security and protection to the refugees and displaced persons in camps remains. While mindful of the need to minimise risk, I re-affirmed the Government's strong commitment to the humanitarian objectives of the deployment.

Lieutenant General Nash also assured me that the broad range of capabilities required to deploy the EU force has now been generated. He also informed me that a total of three role 2 medical facilities, plus air assets, will be provided. In addition, each battalion will have its own role 1 medical facility.

Deployment of EUFOR personnel to Chad commenced on 12 February 2008. Lieutenant General Nash is confident that the capabilities required to support EUFOR's main force deployment will be established by mid-March 2008. By this time, he is planning that the mission will achieve initial operational capability, with at least 1,200 troops in theatre. Planning for the follow-on deployment of all three multinational battalions, including the Irish battalion, can then commence. The logistics of deploying the multinational battalions require extensive planning as the vast majority of equipment etc. will arrive in Douala port in Cameroon and will be transported from there to the relevant operational sector. Lieutenant General Nash is satisfied the OHQ will have the necessary logistical arrangements in place to accommodate this. Ireland and Sweden will be the first of the multinationals to deploy. The mission is planned to reach full operational capability by mid-May 2008.

A total of eight members of the Permanent Defence Force are currently deployed with the mission in Chad. All are reported to be safe and well. A Defence Forces engineering reconnaissance party travelled to Chad yesterday to examine the requirement to put in place the necessary infrastructure to enable the deployment of the Irish battalion to Goz Beida in south-eastern Chad.

The deployment of approximately 50 Army Ranger Wing personnel to the mission area is scheduled for tomorrow. It is expected the main deployment of approximately 400 Irish troops to the mission area will be completed by mid to late May 2008.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister take seriously the threat posed by the spokesperson for the rebel forces? Does the Minister agree that in the recent attack on the capital, the rebel forces displayed more organisation, showed better capability and were more highly mobile than had been thought previously? Has an effort been made to contact the aforementioned spokesperson, who appears to be able to speak freely to the media, including the Irish media, to assure the group in question that the Irish are an impartial force despite being on the same mission as the French? It does not mean they have the same historical connection with Chad as do the French. Moreover, what public information campaign, if any, is under way in Chad at present to confirm Irish impartiality and that their deployment to Chad is purely on humanitarian grounds to protect internally displaced persons and refugees from Sudan?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I take all threats seriously. As I noted in my initial reply, there always will be a certain element of danger. This is a Chapter VII operation and is similar to any operation in a troubled African country such as, for example, Liberia, where great fears were expressed in advance of the mission but which ultimately worked out very well. This statement was made by a representative of one rebel group. As Deputy Deenihan is aware, there is a number of rebel groups, which appear to agree on one thing only, namely, a change of government. Their political objectives and to an extent even their military objectives appear to be widely diverse.

In addition, there also is a number of roving bands of what one would describe as bandits rather than rebels. They operate on the Chadian-Sudanese border and appear to pose the greatest threat. One must put this matter into context. This was a single statement by one spokesman for one of many rebel groups that operate in Chad. Although I agree with Deputy Deenihan that the rebels displayed more military ability than had been anticipated in their recent operations, they did not attempt to engage the French forces, who were present flying the French flag, nor did they interfere with any EU forces, to whom they were in close proximity. This indicates that their targets, apart from the Administration in Chad, are generally soft targets, such as unarmed civilians, aid workers etc. They are most unwilling to confront any army that is properly constituted and armed.

The force commander, his staff, all members of the Government and other Irish parties who speak on this matter are at pains to point out that this is a humanitarian mission. We have no brief for either the Government in Chad or the rebels. Our sole aim is to protect the unfortunate victims of the conflict in Darfur and those across the border in Chad and the Central African Republic.

I have the greatest confidence in the commander of the multinational force, an Irish general called Pat Nash. He has considerable experience and is highly capable. He decided he would wait until sufficient logistical supports and enablers were put in place to ensure the mission would be as safe as it could possibly be made. That is his duty and he has kept us informed throughout. It is our job to provide sufficient protection for the troops and to ensure they are trained sufficiently to ensure they will remain safe in this hostile environment. We have done so.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. I take it from his remarks that the safety and security of our troops is paramount and that he is satisfied the 50 rangers who are embarking tomorrow will have sufficient protection.

Does the Minister believe an event similar to that which occurred in N'Djamena could happen again? It is a question of the capability of the Irish troops to withstand any attacks and of ensuring their general safety. Am I correct in believing the troops are as safe as possible?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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That is precisely the point. There will be no circumstances in which there will be no element of danger. We are entering a very troubled African country in a more or less constant state of rebellion. The rebellion is supported by Chad's powerful neighbour, Sudan, whose regime is in turn supported by the Government of China. There are constant efforts to disrupt the political system in Chad and one could not, under any circumstances, describe the circumstances that obtain as not being attended by some degree of danger. Deputy O'Shea analysed the matter very well in stating we have made conditions for our troops as safe as possible under the circumstances.

On the question of a possible repeat of the incident in N'Djamena a couple of weeks ago, my information suggests the rebels were decisively defeated, dispersed and forced to retreat towards the Sudanese border. The rebels, who are in two different groups, have not yet crossed the border and are still in Chad. Military intelligence suggests they would be quite incapable of mounting another operation this side of the rainy season, which begins in the first week of June. It will not be practical to operate during that season and it will, therefore, be the latter part of the year before they are capable of posing a threat again. In view of the fact that the rebels are supported strongly by Sudan and China, of which there is ample evidence, anything is possible. They may attack again.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I understand the rebels have regrouped and captured a town in Chad. Is the Minister aware of this? Given that China is playing a major role in supporting Sudan, has the Irish Government made any direct approach to the Chinese ambassador regarding his country's involvement with a view to influencing what is happening in Chad?

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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I understood there were four rebel groups involved in the recent attack on the capital. Are there other rebel groups that can avail of the same type of support in mounting similar operations?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There are other rebel groups but I do not believe they would be as capable of mounting similar operations. They are more like bandit groups. They operate opportunistically, join together and dissipate fairly quickly.

On Deputy Deenihan's question, my information is that the rebels who attacked N'Djamena will not be in a position to make a comeback until the end of the rainy season.

Approaches to the Chinese authorities would be quite futile because the Administrations of both China and Sudan have stated publicly they have nothing at all to do with the rebels in Chad. At a diplomatic level, we must take China's word for it, although we might have information to the contrary.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Defence the projected total cost of the air transport required to transport and logistically support the Defence Forces deployment to Chad. [6829/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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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 and little infrastructure over which to transport personnel or equipment. It is, therefore, essential that the contingent be completely self-contained and capable of undertaking its operations without depending on the availability of immediate re-supply or reinforcement. Owing to the remote location of the mission's area of operations, deployment and re-supply of the contingent will be mainly by air and therefore expensive.

It is estimated that the cost to the Department of 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 Department of Defence Estimate for 2008. Preliminary estimates indicate that the cost of transportation of Defence Forces personnel and equipment to the mission area, including re-supply 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 but the Government is committed to ensuring that all of the necessary resources are provided. While the expenses associated with the mission are substantial, the mission will be undertaking a vital task in providing basic security for over 400,000 refugees, many of whom are fleeing the crisis in Darfur.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Does the cost of transport include the cost of providing helicopters from the Irish zone to Abeche, where the Italian hospital will be located?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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No. Deployment of the initial entry force will cost €3.8 million, the initial deployment of the main contingent will cost €10 million, rotation flights will cost €2.4 million and re-supply flights will cost €3.4 million.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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There will be three rotations. How many re-supply flights will there be in total, taking into account ammunition, medical services etc? If a casualty requires treatment in Ireland, will there be transport available immediately? When there is a serious accident, one is supposed to get from where it occurred to a hospital within seven hours. Will this be possible?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I stated that, of the total of €20 million, €2.4 million will be spent on rotation flights.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I asked about the helicopter backup service that will be available for medical purposes.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Absolutely. I assure the Deputy——

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Is the provision of the service built into that cost?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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It is not built into that cost but the Deputy can be assured that three Role 2 medical facilities are being provided and they will include Medevac facilities, both air and ground facilities, to take people to hospital as necessary. There will also be facilities to fly people outside the Sudan if necessary.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Will the Irish mission have dedicated helicopter capability or will it rely on others?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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No particular group making up the multinational force has dedicated helicopter capability. The area is divided into a number of zones. The capabilities are provided centrally and they will be available equally to all the participants in the mission.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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The distance between Abeche and where the Irish troops will be operating is approximately 160 km. The guideline is that it would take an hour for a helicopter to fly from there to the Irish zone to transport casualties or personnel affected by disease and an hour for it to travel back. Therefore, it would be preferable if the Irish troops had a helicopter on site to enable them to bring personnel, where necessary, to a level two hospital. Has the Minister provided for that possibility?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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You appear to have forgotten that I am not the commander of the force. The force commander and his staff organise all the details.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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You are expected to know all about this.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I ask the Minister to reply through the Chair.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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They tell me they are satisfied that all arrangements that can be made to make the mission as safe as possible have been made.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister satisfied with that?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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This is a priority question in the name of Deputy Deenihan and I ask the Minister not to engage with other Deputies.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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If other Deputies ask me questions, I would like to respond to them.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Under Standing Orders the Minister is not allowed to answer questions from other Deputies on Priority Questions.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Other Deputies have concerns.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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We will be moving on to other Deputies' questions very shortly.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I note Deputy Deasy had a statement in a newspaper this morning about that. Somebody brought the matter to the attention of Deputy Deasy and instead of bringing it to our attention, he brought it to the attention of The Irish Times. That is not a responsible way to carry on when people are worried about their relatives in Chad. It is irresponsible and headline grabbing.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Those questions are in the Minister's Department and we will see if he will answer them.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I am not the commander——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Minister, no less than anybody else, will obey the Chair.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Yes.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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This is a priority question to be answered by the Minister only to the Deputy in whose name the question is tabled. I request the Minister to reply through the Chair and not be distracted by any other Deputy.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I am satisfied that everything that can be done to make the mission as safe as possible has been done.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I request the Minister to investigate that aspect.