Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Fitzgerald for sharing her time. I listened with interest to the Minister of State's speech and I thank him for attending the House to address this important issue. I do not wish to repeat the important points other speakers have made, but I have the greatest confidence in the members of our Defence Forces who are highly trained and motivated. If given the necessary training and personal equipment, including transport, air support and medical backup, our troops will succeed in their mission to Chad. Yesterday, I noted the concerns of Colonel Brian O'Keeffe about the reduced number of doctors in the Army medical corps. Of a total of 18 doctors, six will be deployed to Chad. This lack of initiative in recruitment is disturbing and does not inspire confidence in the Chad mission.

The bulk of the 400 Irish troops to be deployed from the fourth western brigade are from my area and I know many of them personally. In addition, my grandfather was a member of the Defence Forces. I have the utmost confidence in their ability to undertake this mission. The troops of the fourth western brigade have proved their competency and humanity since first being deployed to Liberia in 2004. I am proud of them, support them and wish them well in this dangerous endeavour. I urge the Minister of State to provide the necessary resources to ensure their safety.