Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 110: To ask the Minister for Defence the reports he has received from members of the Defence Forces who travelled to tsunami affected countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6745/05]

Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 111: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on the work of those members of the Defence Forces seconded to the UNJLC in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to assist in the relief effort following the tsunami in south Asia; if further troops may be deployed in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6703/05]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 123: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on the deployment of a Defence Forces team to Sri Lanka to assist in relief following the tsunami disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6755/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 110, 111 and 123 together.

As soon as the scale of the recent disaster in south-east Asia became clear, the Department of Foreign Affairs deployed a high level technical assessment team, which included a member of the Defence Forces, to examine the situation on the ground and identify what assistance Ireland should offer to the affected region. Arising from its initial assessment, the team advised the Department of Foreign Affairs of an immediate requirement for two logistics planning experts and two engineers to be attached to the United Nations Joint Logistics Centre, UNJLC. Four officers of the Permanent Defence Force were seconded, with effect from 18 January 2005, on a volunteer basis to the UNJLC in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

I should point out that it was not the primary role of these personnel to report on further areas where Ireland can be of assistance but to report to the UNJLC, following a detailed analysis of key priorities within their fields of expertise. The role of the logistics officers has been to evaluate, on behalf of the UNJLC, the current and future transport requirements in the affected areas for the delivery of humanitarian aid and to recommend solutions to overcome any identified shortfalls. The role of the engineers has been to examine the road infrastructure in the affected areas, specify the rehabilitation and repair requirements and establish repair priorities so as to restore a functioning transport network in the area.

At the request of the UNJLC, an assessment of transport and logistics requirements in the north and north east of the country was conducted. In addition, the engineers completed a full and detailed analysis of the south and south east coastal road system. The team met the Government task force to rebuild the nation, TAFREN, on 17 February and presented its findings and recommendations. The two engineers returned home to Ireland last week. It is expected that the two logistic officers will complete their work in the coming weeks and then return home to Ireland.

No further requests for Defence Forces assistance have been received from the authorities in the region. However, in the event that the Defence Forces have the capacity and resources to offer further required assistance in the region in specified roles, this will be examined on a case-by-case basis having regard to the requirements and the situation on the ground. I can assure Deputies that the Government is very positively disposed towards supporting the relief effort in the affected areas to the greatest possible extent.