Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Defence the future of the Defence Forces in Chad; the length of time it is expected they will remain there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34693/09]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the level of back-up support being provided to Irish troops in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34694/09]

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Defence his proposals in regard to participation in the Chad mission after March 2010 and to rationalise overseas commitments to a smaller number of key missions. [34853/09]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to reports (details supplied) that female refugees from Darfur continue to be subjected to high levels of violence and rape despite the presence of the UN mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34845/09]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on the recommendation in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes that Ireland end its participation in Chad in March 2010 and rationalise its overseas commitments to a smaller number of key missions; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34793/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 35, 48, 59 and 61 together.

Despite the current difficult economic circumstances, the Government continues to support and commit resources and personnel, wherever it can, to support peace, security and development in troublespots throughout the world.

Following on from Ireland's participation in the EU-led mission to Chad, the mandate of which expired on 14 March 2009, Ireland's initial commitment to the follow-on United Nations Mission in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic (MINURCAT) is for a period of one year to 14 March 2010.

Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes. Decisions on all of the issues arising, including continued participation in MINURCAT and in other overseas missions, will be a matter for the Government in the context of the Estimates. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of the Estimate process.

I am satisfied that the required logistical support of Irish troops currently deployed as part of the MINURCAT Mission is being delivered in accordance with national standards. There are no concerns in relation to real life support for Irish troops at this time.

I am aware of The Irish Times article relating to a report by Amnesty International on violence against refugee women in eastern Chad. MINURCAT, which comprises civil, police and military components is authorised, inter alia, to take all necessary measures, within its capabilities and its area of operations in eastern Chad, in liaison with the Government of Chad, to contribute to protecting civilians in danger, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons.

The presence of UN troops in Chad since last March, following the take-over from the EU-led operation, continues to make a positive difference to the security environment. UN troops serving in Chad are contributing to creating a safer environment for civilians, in particular refugees and displaced people and have enabled the international humanitarian organisations and NGOs to continue to carry out their work safely.

The authorised strength of the military component of MINURCAT is 5,200 as provided for in UNSCR 1861 of 14 January 2009. However, as of 31 August 2009, the military component of MINURCAT comprises 2,389 personnel. The question of renewing calls on the UN Security Council to deploy the full force to Chad is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs.