Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the diplomatic channels available to assist Irish troops serving in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23734/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In the context of Ireland's participation in the EU military mission, EUFOR Tchad/RCA, the Government decided to establish diplomatic relations with Chad. The Ambassador designate of Ireland to Chad, Kyle O'Sullivan, is resident in Abuja, Nigeria, and has already visited Chad on a number of occasions. He is expected to present his credentials shortly.

I am confident that the establishment of relations with Chad will provide an important channel for raising, as necessary, any bilateral issues arising in relation to Ireland's role in EUFOR Tchad/RCA. Our commitment of some 400 troops will be accompanied by humanitarian aid, which should also help relations.

My predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., visited Chad in November 2007 and my colleague, the Minister for Defence, Mr Willie O'Dea T.D., is returning from Chad today where he held meetings in relation to the EUFOR mission and visited the headquarters of the Irish contingent. In addition, issues relating to the Irish participation in EUFOR are regularly discussed through other diplomatic channels, particularly through our missions to the EU in Brussels and to the UN in New York.