Déirdre de Búrca (Green Party)

Will the Leader of the House invite the Minister for Defence to the House to discuss the issue of the delayed deployment of Irish troops to Chad? This issue is a matter of concern. It was discussed in the House before Christmas and many speakers wished the Irish troops well in the EUFOR mission in Chad. It was recognised at the time, however, that this was a dangerous mission. Since then the advance of the rebels on the capital and the rejection yesterday of the ceasefire by the Prime Minister of Chad raises questions about the safety of the mission.

The Minister is reported in The Irish Times as saying the current turmoil in Chad is a matter for the country's authorities and does not fall within the remit of the UN mandated EUFOR mission. It is clear the French participation in this mission will complicate matters. President Sarkozy has said the French may intervene if circumstances require and if the rebels launch another offensive. It is impossible to make a clear separation between the deployment of the EU mission and what is happening locally. I ask that the Minister for Defence update the House on this issue.