Dáil debates

Thursday, 8 October 2009

Priority Questions

Overseas Missions.

4:00 pm

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 4: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on the recommendation in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes that Ireland end its participation in Chad in March 2010 and rationalise its overseas commitments to a smaller number of key missions; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35067/09]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Despite the current difficult economic circumstances, the Government continues to support and commit resources and personnel, wherever it can, to support peace, security and development in troublespots throughout the world.

Following Ireland's participation in the EU-led mission to Chad, the mandate of which expired on 14 March 2009, Ireland's initial commitment to the follow-on United Nations Mission in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic (MINURCAT) is for a period of one year to 14 March 2010.

Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. Decisions on all of the issues arising, including continued participation in MINURCAT and in other overseas missions, will be a matter for the Government in the context of the Estimates.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of the Estimates process.

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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This has been a successful mission, with very few incidents, led initially by Lieutenant General Pat Nash. It resulted in positive recognition of the country. Foreign missions are the lifeblood of any army so it is important from both a humanitarian and a logistical point of view that this mission would continue after March and the Minister must signal his intentions soon. It took €20 million to move the equipment out to Chad and set up camp there. What will it cost to bring back that equipment instead of continuing the mission, which will be mostly paid by the United Nations?

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I agree this has been a successful mission. There were initial doubts due to the logistical difficulties, the absence of air access and difficult terrain. General Nash and his people overcame those difficulties and the mission has been an outstanding success. Foreign missions are indeed the lifeblood of a peace-keeping defence force, which is what our Defence Forces are.

I take the point about the costs of sending people to Chad. The EU force came to an end on 14 March and the mission was then taken over by the United Nations. We have committed ourselves up to 14 March 2010 anyway, so the question is if we go beyond that. Our mission to Chad costs about €7.5 million net per annum, even though we are getting money from the United Nations. The question of whether we can afford to continue will be a matter for the Estimates process. As the Deputy knows there is a crisis in the public finances and we must all find savings. I take the point about the money spent getting people out there and the success of the mission. I will recommend to Government when I am preparing my Estimates that we remain in Chad beyond 14 March 2010. I cannot give a definite guarantee the Government will agree to that but it is what I will propose.

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I have consistently raised the issue of medical evacuation. The facilities that existed during the EU mission are no longer available. If the mission continues, will the Minister ensure medical evacuation facilities will be put in place?

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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If after the budgetary process the mission continues beyond 14 March 2010, and even in the interim, I will ensure that matter is attended to.