Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Like Senators Feeney and Leyden, my nominating body for the Seanad is the ICPSA on which RACO and PDFORRA are represented.

There is no doubt the professionalism of Irish troops in peacekeeping operations has been acknowledged worldwide. It is a wonderful honour for the country that Major General Pat Nash has been given overall command of this mission to Chad. I am sure we would all join in the congratulations being extended to him.

I would like to address three points. Senator Ormonde spoke of deficiencies that exist. Such deficiencies must be addressed before our troops are asked to take on this most serious and probably one of the most challenging missions Irish troops have been asked to undertake since the Congo conflict. One area of concern is the supply of aircraft. We were told that up 20 aircraft, including helicopter supply craft, would be necessary to adequately supply our troops. Are those aircraft now in place? Have other European countries lived up to their obligations in providing such aircraft? Without it the operation cannot proceed.

The distribution and supply of water to our troops in a country like Chad is of paramount importance. The logistics of providing such a simple amenity as water is a significant problem. Without adequate aircraft it cannot be provided. Temperatures of up to 45° C can be experienced at times in that country and with such temperatures people are susceptible to dehydration and risk of other diseases. It is important that an adequate water supply is provided for our troops. In referring to other diseases, it is also important that adequate medical supplies and medical personnel are provided.

The conflict in Chad has been ongoing for some time. Our mission there is threefold, namely, to establish a safe and secure environment for the refugees, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and to protect the UN humanitarian personnel. It is a major challenge but one our troops are up to. I spoke to a number of people the other night at the RACO conference and they are looking forward to the mission. They are well equipped. They are concerned about a number of the deficiencies mentioned by Senator Ormonde, but with the proper supplies and equipment I am confident our troops and Defence Forces will do us proud, as they have done in every mission they have undertaken.

A member of personnel from another country who was on peacekeeping duties spoke to me recently of the regard people have for Irish troops and the rapport Irish troops build up with local communities. He mentioned one incident where people were throwing stones and one group of troops broke down the door and went gung-ho after the people. He said when a similar incident occurred where Irish troops were based, our troops, who had built up a rapport with the people, knocked on the door and asked "What the hell is going on?" and got a much better response. It is an example of Irish people acting in an Irish manner and doing their duties in a proper manner. I join everybody in wishing our troops well in their onerous task. I am sure they will do our country proud, as they have done previously.