Richard Bruton
Question:112 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the provision of medical care proposed for the Defence Forces in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6355/08]
Other Questions.
Overseas Missions.
Chris Andrews
Question:113 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his recent visit to the operation headquarters of the EUFOR CHAD/RCA; his discussions with a person (details supplied ); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6307/08]
Brian O'Shea
Question:118 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish Defence Force personnel currently on the ground in Chad; if he is satisfied that all appropriate arrangements are in place ensure their security and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6323/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:126 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the strength and adequacy of preparation and equipment in respect of the proposed Irish troop deployment to Chad; if he has been assured of the reliability of supply, transport, communications and medical backup; if he is satisfied that the Irish contingent can adequately support and be supported by the multinational forces operating through the aegis of the EU or UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6373/08]
Niall Collins
Question:129 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence the timetable for deployment of Defence Force equipment and personnel to Chad; the way this transportation is organised; the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6367/08]
Ulick Burke
Question:130 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Defence the projected total cost of the air transport required to transport and logistically support the Defence Forces deployment to Chad. [6356/08]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:131 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the way he will make up the financial shortfall of some €20 million between the projected cost of the Chad mission and the special funding that has been given to his Department for the Chad mission of €37 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6358/08]
Brian O'Shea
Question:136 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the situation in regard to the proposed deployment of Irish troops to Chad as part of the EU mission; if a new date for the operation has been set; if he is satisfied that the situation has stabilised in regard to military action by rebel forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6322/08]
Denis Naughten
Question:144 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that all necessary supports are in place for the deployment of the Defence Forces to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6185/08]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:154 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence if all the required logistical and backup arrangements are in place for the Irish troops due to serve with the EU mission in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6324/08]
Niall Collins
Question:157 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence the extent and nature of the Defence Force equipment and vehicles being sent to Chad; the value of this equipment; if his Department has an estimate on its possible depreciation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6368/08]
Ulick Burke
Question:164 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Defence the welfare and support provisions planned for Defence Force personnel deployed to Chad to include post, including parcel post, Internet access, leave and telephone communications, including free telephone calls home for all military personnel. [6357/08]
166.Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the resources and support available to the Defence Forces for their mission to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:613 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the strength of the proposed Irish troop deployment to Chad is sufficient to ensure adequate protection in all circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6778/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:614 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if all of the military hardware, transport, communication and the logistical equipment required in such operations is in place for the proposed Irish contingent to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6779/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:615 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the full scale of personal armour, breathing or other equipment expected to be required in the context of the Irish troop deployment to Chad has been provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6780/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 113, 118, 126, 129, 130, 131, 136, 144, 154, 157, 164, 166 and 613 to 615, inclusive, together.
The European Union military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, established under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1778 (2007), was formally launched by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 28 January 2008. 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 mandate for this mission is robust and will be conducted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, allowing the use of all necessary force to ensure the success of the mission. The EU force is authorised to support the UN and to take all necessary measures, within its capabilities and its area of operation, to fulfil its functions. EUFOR is committed to conducting its operations in a neutral and impartial manner.
Given the nature of the operation and the mission area and environment, force protection will be a key consideration. The Defence Forces will deploy a full range of force protection assets including armoured personnel carriers. The military authorities have indicated that, while the level of risk is consistent with any operational deployment in a troubled African state, it is one which the Defence Forces have the capability to manage.
On 13 February 2008, I visited the operation headquarters, OHQ, in Paris for the European Union's military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR TCHAD/RCA. I met with the operation commander, Lieutenant General Pat Nash, who briefed me on the current situation and the plans for recommencement of deployment of EUFOR troops to the mission area.
Lieutenant General Nash indicated that the situation in Chad has now stabilised. The urgent necessity to provide security and protection to the refugees and displaced persons in camps, however, remains. While mindful of the need to minimise risk, I re-affirmed the Government's strong commitment to the humanitarian objectives of EUFOR TCHAD/RCA.
Lieutenant General Nash also assured me that the broad range of capabilities required to deploy the EU force has now been generated. He also informed me that a total of three role two medical facilities, plus air assets, will be provided. In addition, each battalion will have its own role one medical facilities.
Deployment of EUFOR personnel recommenced on 12 February 2008, having been postponed by the operation commander earlier this month due to the recent events in Chad. Lieutenant General Nash is confident that the capabilities required to support EUFOR's main force deployment will be established by mid-March 2008, by which time he plans that the mission will achieve initial operational capability. At this stage, he expects to have at least 1,200 troops in theatre. This will afford the operation commander and his staff the opportunity to plan for the follow on deployment of three multi-national battalions, including the Irish battalion. The mission is planned to reach full operational capability by mid to late May 2008.
Eight members of the Permanent Defence Force are currently with the mission in Chad and, as I have already indicated, are all reported to be safe and well. The deployment of some 50 Army ranger wing, ARW, personnel to the mission area, which was due to take place earlier this month, is now scheduled for tomorrow. It is expected that the main deployment of some 400 Irish troops to the mission area will be completed by mid-May 2008.
I have already dealt with the cost. It will be approximately €57 million. Provision is made annually in the Defence Vote to maintain a capacity of 850 personnel serving overseas at any one time. This includes making provision for overseas allowance payments and other costs associated with maintaining troops overseas. The Defence Estimate includes additional funding of €37 million for the proposed mission to Chad, the bulk of which will be expended on transport costs. This additional funding will ensure that our troops in Chad will have the best possible equipment and facilities in what will be a very challenging environment.
In connection with depreciation figures, it is extremely difficult to forecast this cost. The operating environment will be harsh on all assets, including human, vehicle, accommodation units, personal equipment, radios and generators, to list but a few. It is considered that this type of forecasting will only be viable after the impact of a full deployment in theatre has been concluded. It is not possible at this stage to provide precise figures on the asset value of all equipment being deployed.
Defence Forces personnel deployed to Chad will be able to avail of Internet services and telephone communications via satellite. The Defence Forces will provide all personnel with access to a dedicated phone system for communications back to Ireland and all personnel will be provided with monthly liberty call credit. This will ensure that they are able to keep in contact with their families in Ireland on a regular basis. The postal situation, and its roll-out, is yet to be confirmed by the force headquarters. This will probably be a rudimentary system taking into account the very extended lines of communication from home.
The full range of welfare services, access to gymnasiums and allied recreational facilities has been provided for in the planning associated with the deployment.
I want to refer to the question in the name of Deputy Richard Bruton as regards medical care facilities. Will the Minister say what level one and level two care is available to the Irish troops? I have asked this question already, but I want some clarity in this regard. As level two care provides for a field hospital, how will injured personnel travel from their own zone to Abeche where the level two hospital will be located? The European Union's recommended guideline is one hour, but they will not have their own helicopter to do that, in which case it could take two hours. When it comes to level three, which is for very serious casualties, how can the Minister assure the House that such injured personnel can be brought back to Ireland within the recommended timeframe of seven hours? Do we have that capability? I have a large number of questions.
I will come back to the Deputy in one minute, although he has had a minute and a half already. A number of Deputies want to ask questions.
The level one medical facilities include first aid, immediate life saving measures and triage. Three role two facilities will be available, in N'Djamena, Abeche and Birao in the Central African Republic. That will cover such matters as advanced life support, basic surgery, intensive care with limited patient holding capacity and primary health care. In addition, ancillary laboratory and radiology facilities, a dental unit and other hospital support elements with appropriate ground and air medevac capabilities will support this provision. I have discussed the issue of getting people to role two hospitals with the force commander and he has assured me all the necessary arrangements will be in place in that regard.
I know the Minister has had discussions with Lieutenant General Nash. Will the Minister outline what the force commander views as the main threat to Irish troops? Is the Minister reassured and satisfied as to the safety of Irish troops? Last week, the Minister met with the noted Darfur human rights activist and EU peace prize winner, Salih Osman. I am interested in his comments on that meeting. Finally, he said that this mission would protect refugees. I wonder whether there is any special role in terms of protecting those who are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking.
This can change, but I am advised that the main threat at the moment are these groups of roving bandits, rather than rebels, who use four-by-four pick-up trucks and operate opportunistically. They are mainly active along the Chad-Sudanese border and tend to come together and dissipate fairly quickly. This is the main threat at the moment. As to whether I am satisfied that everything that can be done has been done to ensure the safety of our troops, I am.
The Deputy is correct that I met Mr. Osman last week. He informed me of the great respect for Ireland's peacekeeping record. He said it is absolutely vital that this mission goes ahead on humanitarian grounds, considering the level of suffering and threat to the people in the camps there. He also referred to recent comments by former President Mary Robinson which he welcomed. He also welcomed her visit to the area and her comments to the effect it was imperative that this mission go ahead.
The Minister has reiterated his belief that every possible measure has been put in place and will be put in place to ensure the security and safety of our troops. He lays emphasis on the fact that this is a mission to protect civilians.
An issue I have raised with the Minister in the past is the attempt by the so-called charity, Zoe's Ark, to take out of the area 103 children who were being presented as orphans. Since I last raised the issue, the court case has happened and sentences are in place. To what extent can the EU force play a positive role in protecting children and preventing any such attempts being made again to take children out of the country? These children were presented as orphans when it seems clear that they were not and this is quite worrying. I know the situation is chaotic with approximately 400,000 refugees and displaced Chadians in the area. Has the Minister discussed this matter with the force commander and what positive contribution can the force make in this regard?
As Deputy O'Shea has noted, chaotic hardly begins to describe the situation. I have discussed that specific matter with the force commander. It is my earnest hope that we will be able to make a difference in that regard and that we will be in a position to prevent a recurrence.
When Deputy O'Shea raised the question of children, it reminded me that I had not replied to one of the supplementary questions from his predecessor which related to trafficking. My understanding of the situation is that trafficking such as child trafficking is primarily a matter for the authorities in Chad, the Chadian Government, to deal with. It is also my understanding that the UN mandate is sufficiently broad to enable the UN forces to intervene if this activity is brought to their attention.
I am mindful of the risks and dangers associated with the mission which our troops are undertaking. However, I do not believe we should be sensationalist and any unfounded claims will only serve to upset or undermine the confidence of the families of those associated with the mission. With that in mind I ask the Minister to state what equipment will be accompanying the troops to Chad. What costs are covered by the estimate of €57 million referred to by the Minister? I ask him to provide a breakdown of the transport costs.
I agree with Deputy Collins that while we must be conscious of the fact that it is a dangerous mission and we need to keep this to the forefront of our considerations at all times, we do not wish to emphasise it too much out of consideration for the families of those who are going abroad into a very hostile environment.
In reply to Deputy Collins's question about equipment, the force is taking 17 Mowag APCs, four special reconnaissance vehicles, the appropriate supply of heavy machine-guns, the usual supply of indirect fire capabilities such as mortars and various other types of force protection equipment. The force will also take a large amount of construction equipment such as drop trucks and fork-lifts because it will be necessary to do a lot of building out there. A containerised medical facility and a containerised maintenance facility will also be brought. I am informed it will take approximately 20 flights to transport the amount of equipment.
I indicated to Deputy Deenihan in an earlier reply the breakdown of costs. The cost of transport alone will be €20 million, broken down as follows — a total of €3.8 million for the deployment of the initial entry force; the initial deployment of the main contingent will cost €10 million; rotation flights, €2.4 million; and resupply flights, €3.4 million. This is quite an expensive operation but in my view, the humanitarian situation warrants it.
I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for allowing me time to ask a question.
Last Wednesday the Minister met with General Nash in Paris. Following the meeting it was reported extensively that the mission had been delayed twice because of a lack of medical and logistical resources. The Minister said that all these logistical and medical issues had been resolved. My information is that this is not the case and that this is far from the truth.
I refer to the transportation of the main contingent of the Irish troops from the west African coast to Chad. As of now, my information is that no transport arrangements have been made. This mission should have begun last month. No contracts have been signed and as of today, Western Command does not know who will transport its men and equipment from the west African coast to Chad over the course of three or four weeks. A half an hour ago the Minister stated it was General Nash's responsibility to provide logistical support but it is also this Government's responsibility to provide that logistical support. As the Minister stated last week, if it is the case that no logistical issues are outstanding, can he tell me who will transport the main contingent of Irish troops from the west African coast to Chad?
I said last week that General Nash had reassured me that the medical and logistical matters had been sorted out to his satisfaction. He is the force commander——
So the Minister does not know?
He is the force commander and I take his word for it. What would the Deputy do in that situation?
I would ask him.
I did ask him.
What was the answer?
I have already told the Deputy the answer.
Allow the Minister to continue without interruption.
The Deputy must be deaf as well as everything else. He said, "Yes, they are sorted out". Can you hear that or do I have to use smaller words for you to understand? He said the matter was sorted out.
The Minister might address his remarks through the Chair.
General Nash said he was satisfied with the matter. I deplore Deputy Deasy's attempts——
We are talking about the safety of 400 Irish troops and the Minister does not have a clue.
Allow the Minister without interruption.
Please ask him to stop interrupting me.
The Deputy must allow the Minister to continue without interruption.
I deplore Deputy Deasy's rather shoddy attempts——
The Minister does not have a clue how they are.
——in complete contrast to Deputy Deenihan or Deputy O'Shea, to grab a cheap headline——
We are talking about the safety of 400 Irish troops.
The Deputy is trying to grab a cheap headline——
The Minister does not have a clue.
——based on the safety of 400 troops who are going out to a hostile environment. Shame on him. I ask him to withdraw his remarks.
(Interruptions.)
The Minister, without interruption.
I can assure the House everything is in place to transport the troops from where they are landing to the area of operations.
Tell us who is transporting them so.
Deputy Deasy is misleading this House. He should stop trying to do that and he should stop trying to grab cheap headlines. This is characteristic of you and it has coloured your whole political career since you came in here in the first place. You should not do it at the expense of people who are going out into a dangerous hostile environment. Show some respect for our troops who are going out to Chad as peacekeepers.
I ask all Members to address their remarks through the Chair and not to engage with one another directly. That is the way orderly debate is conducted in this House and it applies to all Members.
It is about the safety of Irish troops.
It is about headlines.
The Deputy might resume his seat.
The Minister gets personal when he gets cornered.
The Deputy will resume his seat.
How are the troops going to get from the west African coast to Chad?
The Deputy should withdraw what he is saying.
The Minister is not helping the Chair.
Why does he not answer the question? How will they get from the west African coast to Chad?
I said I would call a final supplementary question from Deputy Deenihan. Does the Deputy wish to put a final question or will we move on to the next question?
The Minister does not have a clue.
Someone who is not grabbing headlines.
Why does he not tell us the answer? He is the Minister and should tell us how they will get to Chad. He does not know.
By vehicle.
Does Deputy Deenihan have a final supplementary question?
I have.
Who is bringing them? The Minister does not have a clue.
The Deputy will allow Deputy Deenihan to——
It is not relevant who is bringing them.
It is kind of important to know.
Arrangements have been made.
I ask the Minister to allow the Chair to regulate business.
All right.
I call Deputy Deenihan to put a final question.
The Minister does not have an answer, does he?
The Deputy should not be lying to the House.
There are——
The Minister may not make a charge like that, as he knows. I ask him to please withdraw it or table a substantial motion regarding a Member lying.
I said——
Will the Minister withdraw his comment?
I said he was lying to the House, it is true, and I withdraw the comment.
Will the Minister withdraw that remark please?
It is true I said he was lying to the House and I withdraw it, yes. Reluctantly.
I thank the Minister.
A Leas Cheann-Comhairle, you took approximately 15 questions together.
I am afraid that is the Minister's prerogative.
However, we should have time.
The Deputy should ask his supplementary question because we have only a few minutes left.
Regarding our air transport capability, does the fact that the Government is spending approximately €20 million on leasing aircraft not make the case for having our own air transport capability? Owing to the costs involved, which will probably exceed €20 million before the end of the mission in Chad, is it something the Government would seriously consider? Regarding Question No. 131, the Minister mentioned that there is €37 million in the Estimates. The total cost of the mission will be €57 million. From where will the shortfall of €20 million be made up?
My reply may have been somewhat confusing. When we were given our original estimate we would have been able to provide €20 million from our own resources to Chad. We needed an extra €37 million because the total cost of the mission is €57 million. I am sorry if that was not presented as clearly as it should have been.
Where is that money coming from?
It is coming from the Defence Forces. There is an increase of 7% in the Defence Forces budget this year over last year.
Will it result in any cutbacks?
Absolutely not. There is an increase of 7%. We have made the usual provision for expanding accommodation, training, equipment etc. as we have done for several years. Regarding the Deputy's other point, which he has made before, it appears to make a case for getting our own long-range transportation facility. The Department has considered the matter a number of times and the advice to date is that we have insufficient use to justify the expenditure.
We could use it for humanitarian aid.
We could, but that would be a joint operation between the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs. We are considering the matter in the context of the next ten-year plan for defence, which we will start to consider shortly. At the moment, we have arrangements, as the Deputy knows, with commercial providers in the private sector. Recently another potential provider approached me with a view to being added, which might bring down the cost further. I have passed the name and contact details to officials in the Department.
Apart from the issue of costs, I take it the Minister will have gathered there is certain concern, admittedly expressed in different ways, among Members of this House regarding the safety and security of our troops going to Chad. As one who shares those concerns, could the Minister outline the most up-to-date risk assessment of the situation? Has it been taken into account that the rebels have, as I understand, in recent weeks been reinforced from the other side of the border in Darfur by those who support them? These reinforcements have been financed and encouraged by the Sudanese Government in Khartoum. Does the Minister not accept that the risk situation is quite fluid and the factors there are such that the risks could over a period of time increase substantially? Has all that been taken into account in making the final decision?
Yes, all that has been taken very much into account. As the Deputy will be aware, we constantly assess the risk. It is not just a question of assessing the risk today and leaving the matter for another three months. The risk is constantly assessed. There is a constant risk assessment operation in place. The Deputy asked whether recent events regarding the alleged regrouping of the rebels had been taken into account.
Reinforcements have crossed the border in recent days.
Yes. That has all been taken into account.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.