Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the air transport support that is available to the Irish mission on the ground in Chad; if the mission has been assigned new security duties outside their area of operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36424/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The issue of the required air transport for the Defence Forces contingent deploying to Chad was considered in detail as part of the planning process for the deployment. A detailed review of the requirements was conducted by the military authorities as is normal in any case of overseas peace support operations. I requested and received the requisite assurances from the Chief of Staff in relation to helicopter medevac and strategic lift. The Chief of Staff advised me that he was fully satisfied with the arrangements in place for the Defence Forces contingent in EUFOR.

Within the theatre of operations, EUFOR has four French attack helicopters and five French Puma helicopters, which are under the operational control of the operational commander. The French also supply EUFOR with one reconnaissance mission per day by a Mirage, as well as having two Mirages on standby for close air support. The Polish battalion has three Mi 17 helicopters in theatre.

The provision of both strategic and tactical lift for Defence Forces personnel in theatre in Chad continues to meet the requirements of the military authorities of the contingent there. Strategic and tactical lift is met both from commercial sources and through support from EUFOR assets deployed in theatre. I am aware that some concerns have been expressed regarding the helicopter lift contracted by the Defence Forces for the contingent in Chad. In progressing planning arrangements for Ireland's participation in Chad, a requirement for tactical lift in the Irish area of operations to support resupply of the mission and enable forward projection of the contingent during the rainy season in particular was identified by the military authorities. I should emphasise that this was primarily a requirement for the transport of cargo and supplies to the base camp in Goz Beida during the rainy season, along with the forward deployment of forces during this period.

The Defence Forces contracted a civilian company through their standing supplier of strategic air transport to provide this helicopter lift. Two helicopters arrived in theatre on 28 June 2008 to provide for the operational deployment of troops and to facilitate the rapid movement of supplies, stores and equipment from the forward logistic base in Abéché to the battalion base in Goz Beida.

In late September, a question arose in relation to the certification of the two helicopters for use with passengers. The issue that arose was a regulatory licensing one relating to civilian registered helicopters and did not reflect on the safety, technical or operational functions of the helicopters. Notwithstanding this, it was decided that pending the resolution of the matter, the transport of Defence Forces personnel on board the helicopters should be restricted. The helicopters remain operational for the use of cargo and emergency evacuation purposes as required to support the operation in Chad.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

In relation to the deployment of Defence Forces personnel to provide a guard at the force headquarter in Abéché, the 98th infantry battalion was requested by the force commander to provide personnel for force protection duties. The background to the request was the withdrawal of the Swedish contribution to Chad at the end of their tour of duty. The Swedish element had provided force protection until their departure and no other country came forward to replace them. Thus, the force headquarters had to seek assistance from the units serving in the field, the Irish, French and Polish battalions.

Following appropriate consideration by the Irish military authorities, it was agreed that the Defence Forces would provide a platoon level commitment on a rotational basis for security at the force headquarters. The platoon comprising approximately 30 personnel took up duty in Abéché for the period from 7 October until 26 October 2008.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Who decided to lease these helicopters, knowing quite well that they could only move equipment and food, but not personnel? The first thing they should have looked into was whether they were licensed to move troops. Parts of the area under Irish control are 300 km from the base in Goz Beida. Surely someone made a mistake, because lives could be at risk over this issue.

Can the Minister assure the House that he now has cover for the Irish mission in its area of operations? Finally, as he may be aware, the greatest challenge now lies ahead, since the rainy season is over. I understand that guerilla forces, bandits and rebel groups are queuing up at this stage to do various things. The Irish mission will be there in the centre and needs this type of support now more than ever. I am sure these helicopters cost a good deal, and perhaps the Minister can tell us how much.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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To address Deputy Deenihan's last point first, I understand the helicopters were released on 13 June last until next April. We still do not know the final cost, but it will be in the region of €3 million.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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And they cannot carry troops. This is absolutely disgraceful.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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To deal with the Deputy's first two points, I accept there is a problem. Let me emphasise that there is no question about the safety of these helicopters. It is a question of the air operation certificate, which covers what these helicopters are supposed to do — there is a question as to whether they could carry personnel. The better view is that they cannot, and they are not allowed to carry personnel, only cargo. The primary reason for getting those helicopters into theatre, to supplement what we had already, was to move cargo around, particularly during the rainy season. It was feared that we might become isolated from our supply base during the rainy season. The military entered into that contract. I agree with Deputy Deenihan that something is not quite right. As a result, when it came to my attention, I issued a directive that no more personnel be carried on those helicopters, except in the event of an emergency evacuation, which they are licensed to look after.

I also asked the Chief of Staff to investigate and issue me with a report, which I should have by Friday. I have referred the matter to the internal audit section of my Department and I am awaiting a report from there. As regards Deputy Deenihan's final question on whether we now have sufficient air support, this is a matter to be dealt with in his report by the Chief of Staff. Having studied his report, we will see where we will go on that. The general view at present is that these things are mainly used for carrying cargo and equipment around and that we have sufficient cover.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I made the case strongly in the House for two helicopters for medical evacuation some time ago. The Minister now tells me that——

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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They can be used for that. Their licence covers them for medical evacuation in emergencies.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Fine. That is a very important point. It seems quite strange that we spent €3 million on something which cannot move people. Under what caveats are the Irish forces operating in Chad? Recently they were asked to protect the headquarters when the Swedes moved out but the commander said it was not part of their role. They said there was no caveat to cover that. Does the Minister have a list of caveats that he can give us telling us what the Irish Defence Forces can or cannot do in Chad?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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That was in the second part of my answer which I did not have time to deliver. A request came in from operational headquarters to supply a platoon sized contingent of approximately 30 troops to provide protection for force headquarters in Abéché. I am not aware that request was actually refused. It was considered.

The people considering the request have to take many things into account such as the extent to which they will still be able to perform their ordinary duties, which is protecting civilians, United Nations personnel and the humanitarian agencies out there. It did not come in at the best time. It came in at the time of the changeover, when the rotation of troops was taking place. Having considered the request, they reckoned that they could supply the 30 troops on a rotational basis. They have been sent there from 6 to 26 October. That is their first stint there.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Will the Minister supply us with the caveats?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Ceist Uimh. 10 in ainim an Teachta Brian O'Shea.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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This is very important.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It might be very important but we have gone two minutes over time. We are restricting time on other Deputies.