Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I know the Minister for Defence made a concerted effort to recruit women to the Defence Forces, which proved difficult. There are significant difficulties for women who join and I wonder whether they are treated in the same fashion as men. I know, for example, that footballers working in the Defence Forces are very well treated with regard to time off etc., but I do not know if the same is true for women who play county or club football. This matter was brought to my attention some time ago and I urge the Minister to look into it.

Are any members of the Reserve Defence Force going on this mission or does it include only members of the Permanent Defence Force? There has been speculation in the media with regard to problems getting water and facilities to the mission. What problems are envisaged in that regard? What will happen if there is a civil war? The Minister of State said in his speech the risk to the Defence Forces undertaking the mission would be minimal. If there is a civil war, the risk will not be minimal. Have we the necessary aircraft capability to move our Defence Forces out if required?

I am delighted the Minister of State mentioned what our former President, Mary Robinson, had to say about her visit to Chad. It was disturbing to watch her on television, as she was emotionally affected by what she saw. I am sure our Defence Forces will be prepared for similar experiences when they go to Chad. They need to be well prepared as they will come across innocent people being murdered and find that people uprooted from their homes who have been terrorised or raped continue to be at risk in refugee camps where there is lack of tolerance for internally displaced persons. Mary Robinson reported that what she heard from women refugees was most disturbing. Women who had escaped horrific attacks in Darfur, were now facing being targeted and raped in refugee camps. They were afraid to go out to collect food and firewood. I am sure our Defence Forces will be well equipped and trained to deal with these matters as well as all the other issues with which they will have to deal.

While we support this worthwhile, necessary and humanitarian mission, it is risky. Full protection must remain in place for the duration of the mission for all the troops. It is the most dangerous mission ever undertaken by the Irish Army and, therefore, requires proper protection, facilities and back-up to be put in place. If these are put in place, the risk will be minimised. We fully support the mission and wish the best of luck to Major General Pat Nash and the initial 50 rangers going to Chad. They will have the dangerous job of doing the groundwork for the other 400 going out. On the medical side, I am sure there will be full medical back-up for the troops and I wish them too the best of luck.