Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 39: To ask the Minister for Defence if the fuel shortage issue for the Irish mission in Chad has been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24824/09]

Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 63: To ask the Minister for Defence if the situation regarding fuel supplies to the Irish battalion serving as part of the UN peace support mission in Chad has been rectified; if he is satisfied that fuel supplies will continue on a secure basis in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24578/09]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 93: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the provision of adequate fuel supplies for the Defence Forces in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24712/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos 39, 63, and 93 together.

On 15 March 2009, MINURCAT, the United Nation's led mission in Chad and the Central African Republic assumed operational control of the United Nations force of 2,085 personnel, including 1,877 troops re-hatted from eight EUFOR contributors.

In the weeks following the takeover of the force by MINURCAT, the mission faced a number of challenges, including fuel shortages in Chad. The fuel problems encountered by MINURCAT were common to the whole of Chad, as there was a country-wide fuel crisis at the time. The fuel situation was exacerbated by the rebel incursion into Chad in early May 2009. The UN was fully exercised on the issue and all possible sources of fuel for MINURCAT contingents were investigated by the UN to meet the mission's needs. This included the airlifting of fuel from a neighbouring UN mission.

Significant progress has been made by the United Nations in the past month and I am pleased to inform the House that the fuel situation as it applies to the Irish Infantry Battalion in Goz Beida has essentially been resolved. Sufficient stocks are now in place in Camp Ciara which will provide for the Unit's needs going forward. In addition, extra fuel is stored in the new UN fuel farm adjacent to the Irish camp. The UN also have a facility to fly in quantities of fuel at any stage.

The Defence Forces continue to monitor the fuel-supply situation and are maintaining close liaison with the UN authorities on the ground. For now, I am satisfied that the necessary measures have been taken by the UN to address the fuel issue.