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

Question 57: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that Irish troops serving in Chad are receiving the logistical support required following the transfer of authority for the mission from the EU to the UN, with specific reference to the provision of fuel and emergency medical evacuation resources needed to ensure their safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18111/09]

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

On 15 March 2009, MINURCAT, the United Nation's-led mission in Chad and the Central African Republic, assumed operational control of the UN force of 2,085 personnel, including 1,877 troops re-hatted from eight EUFOR contributors. An Irish officer, Brigadier General Gerald Aherne, has been appointed deputy force commander in the mission.

In the eight short weeks or so since MINURCAT took over the force, the mission has faced a number of challenges – mainly force generation, a shortfall in helicopter assets and fuel shortages in Chad. In his report last month to the UN Security Council on the MINURCAT mission, the Secretary General indicated that the build-up of the force will be phased, with a period of consolidation prior to the beginning of the rainy season in June 2009. The force was expected to reach its full troop strength of 5,200 by the end of 2009 but this has been revised downwards to 4,700 by that date. As of 30 April 2009, the MINURCAT force strength was 2,400 troops and it is likely to reach 3,000 troops by 30 June 2009. The pace of troop generation has been attributed to the brief period allowed between the UN's authorisation of the military component of MINURCAT and the deployment of military personnel.

In addition, the UN has only received pledges for ten of the 18 military helicopters detailed in the force requirements. It has urged member states to meet the shortfalls in personnel and air assets, particularly night-capable military helicopters, to ensure that the mission can implement its mandate without constraint. With regard to helicopter support available to the Defence Forces contingent in Goz Beida, two UN helicopters are currently available to the Defence Forces serving with MINURCAT. In addition, they have retained the two contracted Mi-8T helicopters to support their operations in Chad. Four helicopters are based in Goz Beida.

The fuel problems being encountered by MINURCAT are common to the whole of Chad, as there is a country-wide fuel crisis. The UN is fully exercised on the issue and all possible sources of fuel for MINURCAT contingents are being investigated by the UN to meet the mission's current needs. This includes the airlifting of fuel from a neighbouring UN mission, which has been ongoing. The UN has indicated that once sufficient fuel stock has been rebuilt in Abeche, it should be prepared for future country-wide crises of this nature. Fuel conservation measures at Camp Ciara, where personnel from the Irish battalion are based, are being constantly reviewed. While there have been some limitations on operations conducted by the Irish battalion, the maintenance of essential "life support" systems in the Irish camp, that is, water, cooking, sanitation, air conditioning, etc., has continued to be prioritised by the Defence Forces. The battalion has retained the capability to react to emergency situations using both air and land assets. Fuel rationing is expected to continue until 1 June when a new UN contract is mobilised.

The situation continues to be monitored closely by the Defence Forces. I am satisfied that all necessary measures are being taken by the UN to address the various difficulties faced by the mission in its transition period.

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

Is the Minister concerned by the apparent lack of fuel to run generators in the camp, which has led to a shortage of fuel for lighting and vehicles, for example, with the result that the mission is confined to camp and troops are unable to carry out the patrols for which they were deployed? Is he aware the logistical support provided by the UN is not at the same level as when EUFOR was in charge and the UN did not stockpile enough diesel, for example, to ensure that this problem would not happen? It is important that the Minister gives us an assurance that there will be no problem with medical evacuation if fuel is not available or if there is a fuel shortage and a member of the mission is injured in a remote part of Chad and there is no capacity to airlift him or her for medical treatment within the "golden hour".

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

It concerns me that there are shortfalls in the mission to date. As Deputy Deenihan is aware, MINURCAT has taken over since 15 March and there are some teething problems. To the best of my knowledge, the fuel crisis was unanticipated. The Irish troops have been sent out to Chad, as have the other MINURCAT troops, to do a job and anything that prevents them doing it to the best of their capacity or capability is of concern to me. It is not true to say that the Irish troops are confined to camp. They have been forced to cut back on some routine patrols due to the fuel shortage. However, I am also assured by the military powers that they have sufficient fuel to undertake any emergency journeys that are necessary or to respond to emergencies either by land or air.

It is expected that the rationing will come to an end in approximately three weeks, but that is not to say there will not be future crises of that nature in Chad. We are on notice of that now. I assure the House that there will not be any problem with medical evacuation. I have discussed that with the relevant personnel in the Army and I have been assured that there will not be any problem. The force commander has put a plan in place for medical and other evacuations. That is part of his brief. The plan is in place and it is ready to be implemented, if necessary.

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

It is important that a sufficient supply of fuel is available not only for light, but also for air conditioning, which is essential given that temperatures reach 50° Celsius. It is also important for the movement of people. I did not say the soldiers were "confined to base". I said they were not going on the number of patrols on which they expected to go and that they were restricted to the base. It will emerge in the next reply that the soldiers cannot even play football in the base. The mission has gone well but the Minister needs to take a more hands-on approach due to the threat that exists. We need more logistical backup than when the mission was a European one.

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

As we will see in the reply to the next question, the restriction on playing sports has nothing whatsoever to do with the fuel crisis.

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

No, but I am just-----

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

We will not anticipate the next question.

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

We will come to that. I was merely responding to something Deputy Deenihan said.

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

The troops are confined to base.

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

The troops are not confined to barracks. They are not able to engage in some routine patrols due to rationing of fuel. Fuel usage has been prioritised for life supports systems in the camp such as air conditioning, to which Deputy Deenihan referred, and lighting and heating. I am advised that the situation should substantially be resolved within the next three weeks, in which case, I hope, we will be back to full operational capacity.

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

Hopefully.

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

Question 58: To ask the Minister for Defence the restrictions placed on Defence Forces personnel serving in Chad in terms of sporting activities in which they are permitted to engage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17791/09]

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

In exercising his statutory duty of care to his troops, the Irish commander of the 99th infantry battalion deployed with the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad, MINURCAT, conducted a risk assessment of all activities, including sporting activities, carried out by personnel deployed in the theatre of operations.

It was the commander's assessment that the risk of hospitalisation or permanent repatriation of personnel due to sports injuries was not acceptable to him as all personnel are required for operational deployments on immediate notice. He, therefore, imposed a ban on competitive contact and other sports such as soccer and volleyball. A wide range of sporting activities including unarmed combat skills, running and the use of a well equipped gymnasium remains available to troops based in Camp Ciara.

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

The Minister said the decision was taken in light of the need to have all troops ready for duty and that permanent repatriation was not something that could be countenanced. How many troops have been permanently repatriated since the Irish troops went to Chad? Has this kind of restriction ever been imposed before for troops on overseas missions?

If I understood the Minister correctly, the two sports that are banned are soccer and volleyball. Are other physical contact sports banned or is it possible for troops to play them?

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

Volleyball is not a physical contact sport.

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

I was puzzled how volleyball could be one of the sports that is restricted. What sports are restricted? Is this bad for morale? Physical contact sports, be they in Chad or in Ireland, are a good way of letting off steam and of relaxing at the end of the day. The soldiers in Chad are in a pretty tough environment.

I understand that there was a significant cost in repatriating one soldier who was working in Chad. I also understand that he had to be accompanied by a medical person. Is that the real reason? Is it a financial consideration, or is it the health and safety issue to which the Minister alluded in his reply?

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

There are a number of issues in the Deputy's statement. I do not know whether this restriction is being imposed on other missions, but I can find out for him. The force commander has a responsibility and a duty of care to look out for the health and safety of troops under his command. The reality in Chad is that the ground is extremely hard. Some of the sports are played out on open ground and when people fall, it tends to have a much greater impact on their bodies than falling in a field in Ireland, where the ground is not nearly as hard. While we would prefer it if there was no ban on any type of sporting activity, the force commander has a duty of care for the health and safety of the troops under his command. It is not a question of finance, but a question of the health and safety of the troops under the commander's jurisdiction.

The force commander is the person in place on the ground. He knows what is more likely to endanger health and safety and what is likely to do so. The force commander imposes these detailed rules and keeps the situation under ongoing review. It would not be appropriate for me to be trying to designate one sport over another in Chad from a safe distance in Dublin. I have been informed by the military that the force commander in Chad is trying to be as flexible as possible. While rugby probably is not allowed, as it is a very physical game, football kick-abouts are allowed. I can ascertain the precise nature of what is allowed but it is a matter more appropriate to the force commander on the ground.

I believe 34 or 35 troops have been repatriated so far. The grounds on which they were repatriated are divided equally between medical grounds and humanitarian grounds. There was one case that did not fall into either category, as I believe the person was simply asked to go home. The individual mentioned by the Deputy broke his collar bone. He had to be repatriated at short notice. The cost was high, as the medic had to travel with him and come back again. The cost of the return flight was included in that. Commercial air companies charge in accordance with the amount of notice. The shorter the notice, the greater the charge. By definition, theses things are done at very short notice. The cost for the other 33 or 34 people who were repatriated is much less per individual, and the total cost for them was around €60,000.

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

The Minister's reply only goes so far. He has not told me how many people were repatriated due to sports injuries.

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

I said 34 or 35.

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

Were they all repatriated due to sports injuries?

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

No, I meant 34 or 35 in total.

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

The question was about the number sent home due to sports injuries. Can we overdo the health and safety aspect? Deputy Aylward would be very much aware of a serious enough injury to one of the Kilkenny players in last Sunday's league final. Should we ban hurling because we have occasional injuries? Are we overdoing it here? People in the Army are physically fit and they want to indulge in contact sports.

The Minister is not providing evidence that there was a great number of injuries. As far as I am aware, only one such injury has been recorded. Is this sufficient reason to deny physical contact sports to our troops to whom, I believe, sport is important in terms of morale?

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

While I do not believe health and safety should be the sole criterion in this regard, we cannot totally ignore it. As far as I am aware, one soldier suffered a serious injury as a result of engaging in sport. Anybody who has visited the region will know that the ground in the area is not suitable for sports involving bodily contact.

The commander, the Government and I as Minister have a duty of care in terms of the health and safety of personnel. We are on notice that certain of these activities can result in serious personal injury to people already in a hostile environment and who run the risk of injury owing to their duties. I know for a fact that the Force commander on the ground is being as flexible as possible in this regard.

There is no suggestion that all sporting activity is banned. Personnel can engage in running and they have access to a first class gymnasium which includes such facilities as mats for engagement in judo and other self defence activities which may assist personnel in warding off assaults. A wide range of activities is provided. The ban applies in respect of those activities, which in the judgment of the Force commander on the ground, are most likely to give rise to serious personal injury thus causing a person to be repatriated from Chad.