Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will send diplomatic delegations to Libya, Sudan, La RCA, Nigeria and Cameroon in view of Ireland's decision to send troops to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33128/07]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Irish participation in a United Nations mandated EU force being deployed to Chad. [3689/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Chad with particular reference to deployment of peacekeeping forces there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4175/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 146 and 223 together.

The European Union military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR Tchad/RCA, as authorised by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1778 (2007), was formally launched by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 28 January. Ireland is expected to be the second largest contributor of troops to the mission, which aims to protect civilians in danger, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and protect UN personnel.

The nomination of Lieutenant General Pat Nash for the position of Operation Commander of EUFOR was approved by Dáil Éireann on 9 October. The Dáil gave its approval for Irish participation in the mission on 28 November.

As part of the advance Command Group of the Force Headquarters, a total of eight Irish soldiers deployed last month to N'Djamena and Abéché in Chad, as part of a reconnaissance party in advance of the main body of the EU's Initial Entry Force.

A further contingent of 54 members of the Defence Forces was due to travel last week. This deployment was postponed by the Operation Commander due to a sudden escalation in fighting between rebels and Government forces in Chad, including in the capital N'Djamena, and the consequent unavailability of the airport. The Defence Forces are maintaining regular contact with the eight Irish soldiers currently in Chad. A further contingent of 54 members of the Defence Forces was due to travel last week. This deployment was postponed by the Operation Commander due to a sudden escalation in fighting between rebels and Government forces in Chad, including in the capital N'Djamena, and the consequent unavailability of the airport. The Defence Forces are maintaining regular contact with the eight Irish soldiers currently in Chad. All are safe and well.

The European Union has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a political settlement of the conflict. The Union also emphasised its commitment to the achievement of the objectives of EUFOR and to the continuation of the deployment when circumstances permit. The United Nations Security Council similarly demanded an end to the violence and recalled its commitment to the sovereignty and political independence of Chad. It also reaffirmed its full support for EUFOR.

Latest reports indicate that the situation in Chad has stabilised. As my colleague the Minister for Defence has indicated, the next deployment of Irish troops is therefore expected to take place within 8 -10 days, contingent upon the prevailing operational circumstances and the availability of the airport in N'Djamena. The Defence Forces Headquarters in Dublin, the Operational HQ in Paris and the Force HQ in Abéché are continuing to monitor the situation on the ground.

The mission is planned to reach full operational capability by mid-May, by which stage the Irish contribution will be in the region of 400 personnel, primarily drawn from the Western Brigade.

While mindful of the need to minimise risk, the Government remains strongly committed to the humanitarian objectives of EUFOR. The current incursion by rebel forces is a matter for the Chadian authorities and does not fall within the remit of the EU mission, which, as stated above, is focused on the protection of refugees and internal displaced persons.

The Government does not at present have plans for any diplomatic delegations to countries in the region. I would however recall my visit to Sudan and Chad last November, when I had the opportunity to visit the refugee camps in Eastern Chad where EUFOR will facilitate the provision of humanitarian relief. The Government also decided in December to request the Government of Chad to accept the accreditation of a non-resident Ambassador, based in Abuja, to facilitate communications and foster relations between Ireland and Chad. Diplomatic contacts with other countries in the region are maintained through regular diplomatic channels.