Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has decided if participation in MINURCAT in Chad will continue beyond March 2010; if not, when he expects the decision to be taken; his views on this matter; the expected cost involved in the termination of participation in March 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42384/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I offer Deputy Deenihan my sincere condolences on his recent bereavement.

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 on from 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 Central African Republic and Chad, MINURCAT, is for a period of one year to 14 March 2010.

Planned expenditure levels for my Department are being considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This includes consideration of the McCarthy report. 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. Should the Government, in the context of the Estimates, decide to withdraw from Chad, the costs of the repatriation of troops and personnel from the now UN-led mission will be met by the UN.

Certain additional costs arise to the defence Vote on an annual basis from participation in overseas missions. The additional annual cost for participation in Chad, net of UN reimbursements, is approximately €8 million per annum. As such, withdrawal from Chad would result in a net saving to the Vote of a similar amount.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his expression of sympathy.

If the Irish withdrew from the mission, would it make it unviable? It would certainly make it very difficult for the United Nations to continue with the mission as it stands. That there is a group in training to take over in March 2010 is an indication that the mission will be continued. It would be very unfair to the personnel in training if the mission were not continued. Will the Minister be more specific and make a greater commitment in the House in view of the fact that the savings accruing from withdrawing would be negated by the cost of bringing the troops and equipment back to Ireland?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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It is not that I do not want to be specific. I wish I could be but, as Deputy Deenihan will be aware, we are engaged in a very difficult Estimates process leading to the production of a budget on 9 December.

With regard to the viability of the mission in the absence of Irish troops, it is true that the authorised maximum number of personnel for MINURCAT is approximately 5,200. There are only approximately 2,600 in the field at present. I agree with the Deputy that the loss of 400 experienced Irish troops, who have been in the field from the beginning as part of the EUFOR mission, would be a major blow to the mission in Chad. I do not agree that the savings to the Defence Forces would be negated by the cost of bringing the troops home. That would be the position if the troops were still under the aegis of EUFOR but they are now under the aegis of the United Nations. The UN will have to meet the cost of bringing the Irish mission home from Chad.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Including equipment.

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

I reassure the House that, because of the good work being done and the expertise being gained by the Irish troops, it is my preference that we continue in Chad. I am doing everything possible in the course of negotiations on the budget to ensure this outcome. However, I cannot give the House an absolute assurance.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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The response to the Irish mission has been very positive in the refugee camps in Darfur and the refugees themselves and their leaders are very anxious to have the Irish stay.

Consider the Medevac facilities provided by the UN to ensure the mission will be well supported in terms of any evacuation that could occur, bearing in mind the possibility of an extension beyond March. Is the Minister happy with the level of facilities by comparison with the greater level provided when the mission was under the aegis of EUFOR?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the views of the locals the mission is designed to serve. I am very conscious that the NGOs and UN personnel would all love to see the Irish stay.

There is a level-one medical facility in the Irish camp at Goz Beida and a level-two medical facility in Abeche. There is a dedicated Medevac helicopter located in Abeche on a 24-seven basis and there is a couple based in Goz Beida. The latter are not specifically for medical evacuation but can be used for this purpose in the event of an emergency. I am happy with the facilities.