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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 8 Nov 2007

Vol. 641 No. 2

Other Questions.

Naval Service Vessels.

Ulick Burke

Ceist:

6 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Defence the number of proposals received following stage 1 of the competition for the purchase of the two offshore patrol vessels with an option of a third, and one extended patrol vessel, with an option on a second; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27761/07]

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

19 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Defence the projected cost of new ships for the Naval Service to be purchased over the next five years and the financing arrangements that have been made for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27750/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 19 together.

The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. In the 2000 White Paper on Defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service would be based on an eight-ship flotilla and committed to a modernisation and replacement strategy to maximise the operational capacity of those eight vessels. The White Paper specifically provides that "new vessels will be brought on stream to replace older ones as these fall due for replacement". Naval Service vessels are generally replaced when they have come to the end of their useful life, which is normally approximately 30 years. Three ships will fall due for replacement over the next few years —LE Emer, commissioned in 1978, LE Aoife, commissioned in 1979 and LE Aisling, commissioned in 1980.

Following a detailed examination of the needs of the Naval Service a vessel replacement strategy has been put in place to cover the period up to 2012. The vessel replacement strategy combined with a continual process of refurbishment will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is commensurate with the roles assigned to it.

Following Government approval in July 2007 to go to tender, notice of a competition for the purchase of replacement vessels for the Naval Service was sent to the EU Journal on 24 August 2007. The competition for the purchase of two offshore patrol vessels, with an option of a third and one extended patrol vessel, with an option on a second, will be subject to a restricted procurement procedure in accordance with EU procurement directives. The process comprises two stages — stage 1, a request for proposals, and stage 2, an invitation to tender. The closing date for stage 1 - receipt of proposals — was 26 October 2007. Following evaluation of proposals, a detailed specification will issue to those invited to participate in stage 2. The evaluation of stage 1 proposals and the preparation of the detailed specification for stage 2 is ongoing. The invitation to tender is expected to issue in May 2008, with tenders due in July-August. Following detailed tender evaluation, it is intended to award a contract in late 2008-early 2009. To ensure the integrity of the competition process, I will not release details relating to the numbers and-or names of the respondents to the request for proposals until the entire competition process has concluded.

The decision to proceed with the final award of contract to purchase the vessels will be subject to further Government approval and agreement on funding, the full requirement for which will not be known until the tender competition has concluded, and, therefore, financing arrangements have not been put in place. It is expected the cost of the three new ships will be of the order of €180 million, excluding VAT. Once details of costs are known, funding arrangements will be a matter for further consideration in consultation with the Minister for Finance in the context of the Estimates process. It is expected the vessels will be delivered on a phased basis between 2010 and 2012.

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply but I am disappointed he is unable to reveal the number of applications and other details of the procurement process. Will provision be made in this year's Estimates for the funding for the procurement of three vessels if the project is going to tender in May? Has consideration been given to the manning of the vessels? They will be new and modern and will require an increased staffing complement. Have plans been put in place to ensure personnel will be available when the vessels are commissioned?

The Minister of State will be aware of the general low morale among Naval Service staff. The report, A Voyage of Understanding, stated morale among Navy personnel is quite low. This is understandable because they operate in antiquated, rough conditions. I hope to take a trip in a naval vessel next January to experience the conditions in which naval personnel sleep, eat and so on. What provision is being made in the Estimates for the commissioning of the ships? Has consideration been given to the staffing of the ships when they are acquired?

I outlined the ongoing process, which comprises tendering and so on, and the timescale attaching to it. Once details of the costs are known, funding arrangements will be a matter for further consideration in consultation with the Minister for Finance in the context of the Estimates process. That will kick in at a certain time. Many of the ships have a set lifespan. The LE Emer was commissioned in 1978, for example. Part of the costings is the sale of the old vessels. The value of a ship will be determined by the market when it is offered for sale. As vessels will not be withdrawn from service until shortly before the commissioning of the replacements, it would be unwise to say anything that might influence that process. The sale, for example, of the LE Deirdre in 2001, the most recent vessel to be disposed of, realised €270,000. The old vessels must be sold and one can tell, on the basis of the date they were commissioned, when they are due for release. They have to be sold and the new vessels purchased. The Estimates process will kick in at the appropriate time.

I take on board the Deputy's comments regarding morale and staffing. Morale is an issue to which attention is paid by the Department and the Minister at all times. Plans must be made on staffing in conjunction with planning for the increased number of ships.

I take it that state of the art will be the criterion for accommodation and eating facilities on board the new vessels. The Minister of State referred to the assigned roles for the vessels. Has thought gone into enhancing their role in support of the civil authorities, for example, in intercepting illegal shipments of drugs and so on into the State? When the vessels are commissioned in 2010, will they enhance the capability of the Naval Service and the civilauthorities to deal more effectively with this issue?

On the basis of the analysis conducted, the group concluded that two different types of vessels are required to allow the Naval Service to continue to have a presence and to undertake its assigned tasks throughout Ireland's 200 mile exclusive economic zone into the future. Vessels are expected to remain in service for 30 years. Issues such as deteriorating sea and weather conditions must also be taken into account.

With regard to the role of the new ships, the vessels will undertake the standard range of duties assigned to the Naval Service, including fisheries protection, search and rescue, maritime protection, drug interdiction, anti-pollution and maritime security. The ships will carry primary and secondary armaments, similar to those deployed on the current vessels. Details of the exact type and number will be decided at a later date in the context of the final design and specification for the vessels. Clearly, state-of-the-art equipment will be sought. The Minister and the Department are keen that the best equipment would be used for the staff.

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. Does the Government accept the use of the offshore patrol vessels will be an important part of a strategy to deal with crime and particularly the importation of drugs? Does the Minister of State accept that, in conjunction with these vessels, the use of smaller vessels along our coastline could also be effective in targeting the gangs who import drugs and who are destroying our young people and causing major havoc on the streets of Dublin? He mentioned a cost of approximately €180 million for the offshore vessels. Over how many years will that amount be spent?

The costs will have to be worked out as the process evolves because when the ships have been commissioned, their lifespan of 30 years must be included in calculations. For example, the LE Emer was commissioned in 1978, the LE Aoife in 1979, the LE Aisling in 1980 and the LE Eithne in 1984. Costs will arise through an incremental period.

I agree with the Deputy that drug trafficking is a key issue to be addressed, particularly on the basis of recent examples. Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking and other such illegal activities rests primarily with the Garda and the Revenue Commissioners. However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work. There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service in this important area. In particular, the larger vessel proposed will enable the Naval Service to patrol over a greater range and for longer periods than is possible at present and accordingly will provide an added deterrent to likely drug traffickers.

The Deputy is right in saying we need a combination of larger and smaller vessels. In fact, I understand there are three types: the CPV, the coastal patrol vessel; the OPV, the offshore patrol vessel; and the EPV, the extended patrol vessel. They are looking at all of these options. Also, bulk buying is an issue. Two can be bought instead of one, for instance. There is much work to be done, the process is ongoing and we have to meet the requirements because of the lifespan of these vessels. We certainly take on board what Deputies have said here today.

Although I did not put down the question, I suppose I can, nonetheless, take credit for it.

I thank the Deputy, and I am sorry.

It is an old skill, to piggyback on another Deputy's questions.

The Deputy has another short supplementary.

I am very magnanimous in this House. Definitely, the three vessels in question are both unsafe and uneconomical at this stage, as I am sure the Minister of State will agree. As he says, the useful life of a ship is 30 years. Will he agree these vessels are totally inadequate to police our 132,000 square miles of water, from a fishery viewpoint, and we have EU obligations to patrol our entire fishery ground, which is up to 200 miles offshore? We are not doing that adequately since we do not have the capacity for it. That is why as well as replacing these vessels we should add to our flotilla as well. Apart from the objective of eight in the flotilla are there plans for any additional vessels, smaller faster ones, as Deputy Finian McGrath said, that could enter coves and be very good for detecting drug shipments, which apparently are coming into Ireland virtually on a daily basis and we just cannot intercept them?

I obviously agree with the Deputy that ships should be replaced when they come to the end of their useful life. That normally happens after 30 years and it has to be done. Members of all parties support that. The LE Eithne and the LE Ciara will have 30 years service completed in 2014, while the LE Orla will reach that longmark in 2015. What needs to be done is staring us in the face. I accept that there are new issues, particularly drugs, to deal with. There are many other challenges and that is why we are looking at a wide range of ships in this instance. I have great confidence in those who are negotiating this whole process for us.

I mentioned earlier that consultation is taking place with the relevant stakeholders and there is a major analysis under way of the deteriorating weather conditions being experienced in the Atlantic by the Naval Service. There is a good deal of terrain to be dealt with. This is based on the work being done by the vessel replacement study group from data supplied by the Meteorological Office. They are looking at that aspect and at the need for different sizes of ships. The OPVs will be in the 80 m to 90 m range, similar to the LE Róisín and LE Niamh and the EPV will be larger, in the 130 m to 140 m range. They are going about their work in the right way and will certainly report back to the House.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

7 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he has completed his consideration of the possibility of the recruitment of an additional 1,000 personnel to the Defence Forces, which he referred to in his speech to the annual conference of PDFORRA in Tralee on 10 October 2007. [27731/07]

The Minister did not mention this in his speech and is not currently considering the possibility of the recruitment of an additional 1,000 personnel to the Defence Forces.

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 set out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, as the strength sufficient to meet all foreseeable military requirements for the period comprehended by the White Paper, that is, up to 2010. This remains the position. It is intended to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. This recruitment will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper.

To facilitate the Defence Forces in maintaining strength at 10,500 An Agreed Programme for Government provides for an additional provision of up to 350 troops to be in training, at any given time. The military authorities and the Department are considering the planning and resources necessary to meet this provision.

I accept that this was not contained in the Minister's speech. However, he was reported as speaking at the conference and that is the context in which it is being raised at this stage. This came, on the suggestion of PDFORRA, against the background of a greater role for the Irish Defence Force in international peacekeeping. We dealt with the fact that additional personnel will be required by the Naval Service when the new vessels come on stream. At this stage, is the Minister saying there is no particular consideration within the Department in terms of increasing the current figure of 10,500?

The issue was not referred to by the Minister in his speech, but there was an informal press gathering and the Minister responded to a suggestion from PDFORRA that the Defence Forces strength be increased by 1,000. He made it clear that there would be no immediate revision of the Permanent Defence Force, PDF, numbers. It is Government policy that the current strength of 10,000 is sufficient to meet all militarily needs. The Minister pointed out, however, that a review of Government policy on strengths might be included as part of the preparation of a new White Paper. An Agreed Programme for Government contained a commitment to the preparation of a new White Paper on Defence for the period 2011-2020. It can be expected that this White Paper will review the defence and security environment and the role and capability of the Army, Naval Service, Air Corps and reserves. That is the focus on which the Minister and I should like to concentrate. All of these issues can be looked at in the new White Paper. We are satisfied that we have adequate personnel at the moment, approximately 8,400 in the Army, 850 in the Air Corps and 1,068 in the Naval Service. We maintain that these figures are adequate while saying that the position can be reviewed in the new White Paper.

I welcome the Minister of State's answer on the Minister's speech. On the putative figure of 1,000 more personnel, that would represent a major cost to the Exchequer and I would be concerned about this. The present figure of 10,500 is adequate for our current needs. Will the Minister of State accept that if we were to employ 1,000 extra personnel, it would be better to employ public servants in terms of frontline services such as health, education, disabilities and to provide help for cystic fibrosis patients, for instance? Will he agree that should be our focus over the next two to three years?

I agree with the Deputy. The strength of 10,500 as stipulated in the White Paper was determined after a good deal of analysis of all the relevant factors. This included a programme of reform and reorganisation to ensure "that Ireland has a world class military organisation". I am satisfied the Defence Forces have the capacity to deal with the changes that have taken place in the defence and security environment since the publication of the White Paper. I have been very fortunate as a Minister of State in various areas, in particular to have experienced the work the Defence Forces do abroad. The White Paper provides for the allocation of up to 850 members of the Permanent Defence Force to be deployed overseas at any one time. While this may be exceeded for short periods, deployment above this level is not sustainable on an ongoing basis within existing resources.

We have had a good discussion on Chad and if we get to it, there may be further discussion. Any commitments to an EU or UN mission will be met within this context. It is important to maintain the high standard and fantastic quality of the work we do. It is best to do this with the types of numbers we have provided for. At present, some 460 members of the Permanent Defence Force are deployed overseas. Clearly, that will increase if we become involved in Chad, as I hope we will. Certainly, we will look at this issue in the context of the next White Paper.

Defence Forces Provisions.

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

8 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by farming organisations regarding the use by the Defence Forces of rations that included Brazilian beef; if he has made representations to the Defence Forces on the decision to use Brazilian beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21795/07]

The military authorities have clarified the position regarding the inclusion of Brazilian beef in ration packs supplied to the Defence Forces under contract.

A tender competition for the supply of ration packs to the Defence Forces was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union and conducted in accordance with national and EU public procurement rules. All quotations received came from companies in the United Kingdom although tenders were sent to a range of companies based in Ireland and the United Kingdom. European Union public procurement rules do not permit product specifications — for any product or component of a product — to identify a particular brand name, supplier or country of origin. As a result of the competition, the contract to supply ration packs to the Defence Forces from January 2007 to December 2008 was awarded to Far Side Marketing, located in Buckinghamshire in the United Kingdom.

Main meals containing beef are included in 25% of all ration packs purchased annually by the Defence Forces. These meals are manufactured by a number of specialist manufacturers in the United Kingdom and Germany. In general, beef from Europe is used. However, in one consignment of pack rations delivered to the Defence Forces in early 2007, the beef-based main meals did contain beef of Brazilian origin, amounting to approximately 500 meals. In this case, the total quantity of beef was approximately 150 kg. To date, 25,000 ration packs have been purchased under the current contract, 6,000 of which contained beef, of which only 500 contained Brazilian beef. Brazil is an EU-approved third country for the purpose of importation of meat products.

The military authorities have assured me that fresh beef consumed by the Defence Forces on a daily basis is sourced in Ireland from local producers. Approximately 93,000 kg of fresh beef, valued at €450,000, is purchased annually by the Defence Forces compared to approximately 1,200 kg of beef, valued at €12,000, in ration packs.

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. While health and safety issues do not apply in this case, we realise vigilance is very important in light of the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Surrey. What consultation has the Minister of State's Department had with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and other relevant authorities to ascertain that there is no possibility that the product in question could eventually bring foot and mouth disease into Ireland?

Food safety is of primary importance and, as the Deputy indicated, it is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, who has assured me that detailed EU legislation lays down the conditions member states must apply to the production of and trade in products of animal origin, including meat, as well as to imports of these products from third countries. Under this harmonised legislation, a series of health and supervisory requirements are applied in the member states to ensure that animal products are produced to standards that guarantee the safety of food and the protection of human and animal health. The application of these standards in the member states is monitored by the Food and Veterinary Office of the European Union.

It is required that animal products imported from third countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in and trade between member states and all meat imports must come from third countries, or areas thereof, approved for export to the Union. Brazil is so approved. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food welcomed the publication by the EU Commission of the report on the Food and Veterinary Office's mission to Brazil. She said it will be very helpful in the overall process of ensuring equivalence and added she is now calling for a discussion on the report within the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. The Minister also noted that a further Food and Veterinary Office mission is taking place this month and stated the Commissioner responsible for health and consumer protection has assured her personally that he will not hesitate to take appropriate protection measures if a product imported from a third country represents a risk to the health of EU consumers, livestock or plants. There is very strong liaison between my Department and that of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on such issues.

I, too, am delighted to hear the Minister of State's response to the effect that we are not importing Brazilian beef for use by the Defence Forces. The IFA DVD on the Brazilian beef market, which was distributed recently, highlighted many of the issues that arise. The use of Brazilian beef by the Defence Forces would be a cause for concern.

I am disappointed that the Fine Gael Private Members' motion of recent weeks was not accepted by the Minister of State's party.

I thank the Deputy for his remarks. We will continue to purchase beef and other foodstuffs for the Defence Forces in line with national and EU procurement legislation. The military authorities assured me that fresh beef consumed by the Defence Forces daily is sourced from local Irish producers.

The issue in question concerns the supply of ration packs to the Defence Forces. The contract was awarded to Far Side Marketing. It is worth noting that no Irish company entered the competition but we would be glad to see them coming forward. We should encourage our producers to become involved in the production of ration packs.

The Minister of State is aware that the IFA has described this particular purchase as a disgrace. It did so in the context of its own visit to Brazil to assess its beef industry. I understand the Minister of State is saying procurement regulations were adhered to and that all the information presently available to the Department suggests there is no danger to animal health. Is he asserting that the situation is monitored constantly by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and that immediate action will be taken if any concerns are flagged to his Department by the monitoring Department?

That is a fair assessment. We must abide by EU procurement legislation and do so as a responsible member state. This matter has been well rehearsed in the media and we know the position of the IFA. The Department will comply with the relevant national and EU food safety legislation designed to ensure that animal products are produced to standards that guarantee the safety of food and the protection of human and animal health. We apply the highest of standards. I took the opportunity today to outline the position of my ministerial colleague, Deputy Mary Coughlan, and we will certainly ensure the House is kept updated on this issue.

Overseas Missions.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

9 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Defence the projected cost of the air transport element of the cost of the Irish participation in the forthcoming EU mission to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27771/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

13 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements for level one, two and three medical care being made for the Irish troops who will participate in the forthcoming EU mission to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27747/07]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

15 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the task confronting the Defence Forces personnel going to Chad; the logistical difficulties involved; and the risks associated with this mission. [27302/07]

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

26 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if the planned reconnaissance mission has travelled to Chad; if a report has been received; if he is satisfied that sufficient supply lines and appropriate logistical support will be available to any Irish contingent; when a final decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27713/07]

James Bannon

Ceist:

34 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Defence the support provisions such as leave, postal arrangements, telephone and Internet access that are being put in place for the Irish troops who will participate in the forthcoming EU mission to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27752/07]

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

36 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence the projected cost of the Irish participation in the forthcoming EU mission to Chad; if this amount will be provided in addition to the normal defence budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27767/07]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

38 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the expected financial cost of Ireland’s participation in the EU mission to Chad; the expenditure to date in preparing for the mission; if the Government will give an absolute commitment that the mission will not in any way be affected by reductions in State expenditure should any occur in the next financial year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27760/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 13, 15, 26, 34, 36 and 38 together.

On 25 September 2007, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 1778 establishing a multidimensional UN mission in Chad and in the Central African Republic that will help strengthen security in the region. The resolution stipulated that the multidimensional presence would consist of (i) a new United Nations mission in Chad and the Central African Republic, to be known as MINURCAT, with a mandate focusing on the security and protection of civilians — particularly refugees, internally displaced persons and civilians in danger — and on human rights and the rule of law in eastern Chad and the north-eastern region of the Central African Republic; and (ii) troops deployed by the European Union with robust authorisation to protect and support it.

The operation on which the EU is engaged is designed to provide for the creation of a safe and secure area for refugees and internally displaced persons and to allow for the distribution of humanitarian aid. The nature of the operation is fully in accordance with Ireland's traditional policy of support for and participation in peace support operations, our close engagement in Africa and our support for the United Nations, which has authorised the proposed deployment of the peacekeeping troops.

Following Government and Dáil approval last month, acting Lieutenant General Pat Nash has taken up the position of operation commander of the EU military operation with four support staff at EU operational headquarters at Mont Valérien, Paris, France. A further six Defence Forces personnel were deployed late last month, following Government approval, for service at the headquarters of the EU operation. These staff will assist in ensuring the timely preparation and development of operational and logistical plans, rules of engagement, operational concepts etc. for the operation, which are currently being prepared.

A report on the proposed operation, following a detailed reconnaissance of the mission area and tasking, together with a threat assessment, is currently being completed. This will inform the final decision on the nature of our participation and the requirements in terms of force protection and other defence assets, should the Government decide to deploy troops on the ground in Chad. Subject to a satisfactory assessment, the Irish Defence Force contribution is expected to be in the region of 350 to 400 personnel.

The proposed EU force could comprise up to 4,000 personnel, the most significant element of which will be a French contribution. The force generation process to meet the EU operation commander's requirements to conduct the mission is currently under way. Other contributors currently include Sweden, Spain, Poland, Finland and Belgium. It is anticipated that further contributors to this mission will indicate their position at the force generation conference that will be held in Brussels tomorrow.

I understand that all troop-contributing nations will provide a role 1 medical facility. This medical support includes the capability to provide first aid, immediate lifesaving measures and triage. Planning arrangements are under way at EU level for the provision of higher levels of medical facilities, with appropriate ground and air MedEvac capabilities.

The Defence Forces are examining a range of support provisions, such as leave, postal arrangements, telephone and Internet access, which would be put in place for Irish troops should the Government decide to deploy a contingent to the EU operation.

As the planning for the mission is currently ongoing, I am not in a position to state categorically the details of logistical support for, and the projected costs of, the possible Defence Forces participation in the EU operation. However, in respect of the costs of the overall EU operation and the proposed Irish deployment as part of this operation, I can say that these will be significant. Given the isolation of the mission area and difficulty with the land routes — Chad is landlocked and nearly 2,000 km from the nearest port facility — the deployment and sustainment of the operation will have to be mainly by air. In addition, the provision of suitably equipped sites and airstrips will also be required. More information on equipment requirements and logistical support will be available when the report of the reconnaissance mission is provided to the Minister for Defence. The Government will be advised accordingly when the formal decision on participation in the force is presented for consideration.

Expenditure to date on preparations for possible Defence Forces participation in the mission has been limited. The financing of the operation will be dealt with in the context of the Estimates process, which is currently ongoing.

The Minister expects to bring proposals to Government shortly and, subject to the approval of the Government, to put the matter before Dáil Éireann before the end of November. Obviously, any decision to participate will be subject to the approval of Dáil Éireann in accordance with the Defence Acts. I apologise for the length of the reply but there were seven questions involved.

I am concerned about the terrain and the number of rebels in Chad. As the Minister of State is aware, the number of refugees in Chad is estimated to be 400,000. In recent years, the area has been convulsed by violence. Clashes between the local ethnic and tribal groups run in tandem with guerilla attacks so there are fears for the safety of troops going out there.

The mission should be clearly set from the start. The EU force must make it clear to the population that it wants to serve and do what it can do for it. The people need to know what they can expect, what the force's mandate is and what it will do when it is out there.

I have concerns about some rebel groups who have said that they will attack the forces if they get in the way. In addition, it is impossible to police the entire zone, given the terrain of the country. It is really too big and the number of troops involved — 4,300 — might not be enough. Can the Minister of State tell me about the exit strategy? How does he see it panning out over the next few years?

I mentioned earlier that I had some personal experience of this a few years ago, admittedly in 2004 towards the end of my time as Minister of State with responsibility for development, when I visited Darfur and found out about the security situation and dangers there. I pay tribute to the non-governmental organisations who are working in very dangerous situations. Obviously, I have been following developments there since due to my interest.

I went on a particular journey with John O'Shea of GOAL across a very isolated area for a number of hours. There is no doubt that we travelled through an area where the Janjaweed and other rebel groups were present so I am very conscious of the security situation in Darfur and this neighbouring area.

The safety of Irish personnel serving overseas is always of paramount concern to the Government. While no absolute guarantee can be given with regard to the safety of troops serving in the mission, it goes without saying that it is policy and practice to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately trained and equipped to carry out their mission. All possible precautions are taken to ensure the safety of our troops. In addition, standard operating procedures are kept under review in light of experience and best practice.

From my own experience of visiting other fairly dangerous parts of the world, among them Liberia, I can say that getting interoperability with personnel from other countries right is a key point. As I said earlier, there will be a further meeting tomorrow with regard to who does what. All that preparation is taking place and I am delighted that our own officer, Lieutenant General Pat Nash, will be involved in that as he is a very capable person.

Our roles will be specific and we will be well equipped and clearly working with others. We will have particular roles as countries will have different roles. I know that issues with regard to the medical backup and our capability have been raised. We must combine and pool our resources in all of these areas. I am satisfied that all the preparations will be made. In respect of matters like equipment and training, I am satisfied that everything possible is being done. We assure Members that the safety of our personnel is paramount at all times.

Military Archives.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

10 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence when his Department intends placing advertisements in the national press seeking to recruit professional archivists who will be dedicated to making the military pension archive available to historians and to the public. [27725/07]

I am delighted to able to tell the Deputy that the advertisements for professional archivists appear in today's national newspapers and will also appear in the Sunday papers this weekend. Details are also available on the Department of Defence website, www.defence.ie.

The Taoiseach announced, in the context of the 90th anniversary celebrations of 1916, that the Government had decided to make the military pension archive available to historians and to the public. It is the intention of the Government that the records will be made available in good time for the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in 2016. The archivists will assist in this process.

A total of seven archivists, including a senior archivist-project manager, are being recruited. The senior archivist-project manager, along with three of the archivists, will work on the military pensions project. The other three archivists will be recruited to work at the military archive itself to meet day-to-day demands.

I very much welcome the news that the jobs are being advertised and I look forward to them being filled at an early date. I am sure the Minister of State is aware that there is no definitive list of those killed during the War of Independence and the Civil War. In its manifesto, the Labour Party gave a commitment to tackle this issue, particularly in the context of the Civil War. Does the Minister of State see this as an appropriate task to be undertaken with regard to the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising?

As Deputy O'Shea is aware, an all-party Oireachtas committee will meet to discuss these matters. My position is that this committee should consider that aspect of it as well.

Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.

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