Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

It is heartening to hear the contributions so far. Like other speakers, I welcomed the decision to send Irish troops to take part in the EU force that is to support the UN operation in Chad and the Central African Republic. As many have said, we should not lose sight of the fact that this mission, like all others of its kind, will be difficult. The Irish troops, comprising 400 Permanent Defence Force personnel under Major General Pat Nash, will risk their lives in carrying out their duties. I wish each of them a successful mission.

The mandate of the EU force is to protect civilians and refugees, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and protect the UN personnel in carrying out their mission. The EU force has what is referred to as robust authorisation to carry out its mission. The need for this is clear considering the events in Darfur over the past four years. The Sudanese Government-sponsored militia, known as the Janjaweed, have been carrying out what amounts to nothing less than genocide against the native population of Darfur. This is simply an appalling tragedy.

It was interesting to hear Senator Bradford's comments to the effect that there are various forces on the world stage that are able to respond to terrorism, tragedies and other such problems using various vigorous methods and, where required, force. This has not happened in respect of Darfur in Sudan or in any part of central Africa. I do not know why it takes to ring the bell to awaken people. Do we need to shout louder? I welcome the presence of the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, who has been on the circuit a little while. I would be delighted if he could advise us on the avenues available to us to ensure that further and stronger efforts are made to address the issue.

The use of rape as a weapon of war is very prominent in this conflict. The culture of the region is such that it carries a particular stigma and results in dreadful humiliation for the victims and their families. More than 3.5 million people have been displaced and have crossed the border into Chad and the Central African Republic. The Janjaweed militia has been known to strike across the border against those who are already destitute and starving as a result of the conflict. The malicious regime of terror is to ensure the displaced refugees never return home. The militia will now target all UN personnel and try to disrupt their mission by attacking them directly in the course of their duties.

The EU force is tasked with the protection of the UN force and ensuring the refugees are fed and housed. The humanitarian effort is being sabotaged by the local rebels and further affected by natural disasters, such as the flooding of August 2007. The flood washed away several camps and hampered seriously the great work of the aid agencies, which were assisting tens of thousands of people. This highlights the mammoth task involved in protecting the camps against such risks.

The 400 Irish troops comprise the second largest contribution to the EU force, and this reinforces Ireland's reputation as an international peacekeeper. Last week, however, the Minister for Defence expressed dissatisfaction regarding the larger EU countries which are not supporting the force to the best of their ability. In particular, he noted the lack of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Such aircraft were expected to have been supplied by other member states of the European Union. I understand there are ongoing discussions on air support for the troops on the ground. As this House will appreciate, the logistics of the operation present significant difficulties and air support will be vital. France and Ireland are supplying the largest number of ground troops and others are doing the best they can at this time. It is vital that the larger member states do as they said they would and fully support a force they agree should be deployed. I refer to all the necessary supports which have been identified and which are needed to respond appropriately to local needs.

Will the Minister of State outline whether it is time for the Defence Forces to have an expanded air support section, especially a helicopter wing, that would enable them to meet their own needs while serving abroad on EU and UN missions? Such a force, while expensive, would give our Defence Forces and the State much greater options in deciding what type of mission in which to become involved. As Ireland is a much more accepted peacekeeper, because of our known neutrality, we would be able to respond immediately to the humanitarian needs of people and nations in conflict and other troubles. As a neutral and a caring nation, Ireland has a duty to help those less fortunate. I am delighted to contribute to this debate.