Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 353: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of integrated Reserve Defence Force members that will deploy to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15202/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There are no plans to deploy members of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) to Chad or to any other current overseas mission. However, policies to support the preparation and selection of suitably qualified personnel for overseas duties are being developed. It is hoped that a small number of Reservists may be available to serve overseas by the end of next year (2009). This is likely to be in specialised areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services. This will also be subject to personnel having suitable qualifications, their personal availability and appropriate training.