Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2009
59 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the latest information regarding the security situation in Chad and the potential threat to Irish troops, particularly in view of reports that large numbers of heavily armed personnel could cross the border from Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9765/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra71 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence if there will be a change in the role of Irish troops serving in Chad as a result of the recent decision to transfer command of the operation from the EU to the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9763/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra77 Deputy Denis Naughten asked 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. [9520/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra79 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the preparations for the hand-over of the command of Irish troops in Chad from EUFOR to the UN on 15 March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9764/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra81 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Defence the steps which he is taking to secure adequate provision for personnel in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9847/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra86 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if a strategic decision has been taken as to the length of time the Defence Forces will participate in the UN mission to Chad beyond the participation which begins on 15 March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9771/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra89 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Chad. [9762/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos 59, 71, 77, 79, 81, 86 and 89 together.
The mandate of 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), is due to expire on 15 March 2009.
Ireland is the second largest contributor to the mission with 439 Defence Forces personnel. The aim of the mission is to protect civilians in danger, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and protect UN personnel.
As the humanitarian and security situation in eastern Chad will clearly continue to warrant an international presence beyond March 2009, the Security Council unanimously adopted Security Council Resolution 1861 (2009) on 14 January 2009. This resolution authorised the deployment of a military component of the UN Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) to follow on from the EUFOR mission at the end of its mandate, which expires on 15 March 2009.
Following consideration of a request from the United Nations, on 5 March 2009, Dáil Éireann approved the transfer of command of the Irish contingent currently serving in Chad with EUFOR TCHAD/RCA to the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT).
Ireland's commitment to MINURCAT will be for an initial period of 1 year. Subject to the renewal of the mandate, a satisfactory review of the mission and available resources, I would propose, subject to Government approval, to extend the Defence Forces participation on a year to year basis thereafter. I consider that Defence Forces involvement in MINURCAT should not exceed a maximum of two to three years in duration and I propose to advise the UN accordingly.
The Defence Forces contribution will be similar in size and nature to Ireland's existing contribution to EUFOR. The nature of the Irish Battalion duties with MINURCAT will be similar to its duties with EUFOR, which include, inter alia, short and long range patrolling, situational awareness and providing an overall security and deterrent presence within its area of operations.
The required logistical support and sustainment of Irish Troops currently deployed as part of the Eufor Mission to Chad/CAR is being delivered efficiently and in accordance with national standards. All required enablers are operating effectively to underpin the support/sustain part of the logistical operational process in Chad. The full spectrum of logistical support will be maintained at the required level of service going forward.
As the House will be aware, the International Criminal Court (ICC), issued a warrant on 4 March 2009 for the arrest of Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir, President of Sudan, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. This is the first warrant of arrest ever issued for a sitting Head of State by the ICC. Since the issue of the arrest warrant, I understand that there are fears that the Sudanese reaction against the international community could include giving fresh support to Chadian rebel groups. Any such actions could have serious consequences for the large refugee population in eastern Chad, many of whom have fled from the conflict in Darfur.
The security situation in Chad and neighbouring Sudan is kept under constant review by the Defence Forces. Just prior to the indictment of President al-Bashir by the ICC a specific Threat Assessment review was conducted on the possible effects for the 99th Infantry battalion serving in Chad. It is assessed that the overall threat has not changed and remains at MEDIUM. The Defence Forces have constant contact with their EUFOR partners in the theatre of operations and with the Operational Headquarters in Paris and they all concur with the current Defence Forces assessment. Indication for any change to the security situation is being continuously monitored by both the Defence Forces and EUFOR's Operational Headquarters.
The detailed threat assessment and reconnaissance undertaken informs decisions regarding the configuration of the contingent and its armaments and protection. In the case of the current EUFOR mission, the Defence Forces have deployed a full range of force protection assets, including 18 MOWAG APCs and 4 Close Reconnaissance Vehicles and indirect fire capabilities (mortars). Together, these provide the necessary armoured protection, mobility, firepower and communications. This will also be the case when Irish personnel transfer to MINURCAT. The MOWAG APCs deployed were also deployed with the Defence Forces when they served with UNMIL in Liberia and UNIFIL in Lebanon, where they performed very effectively. The Defence Forces have also deployed a suite of robust tactical communications systems.
In relation to the security situation, there has been a noticeable decline in incidents of banditry in Irish-led Multinational Battalion South's area of operations during January 2009 compared to December 2008. A significant redeployment of Chadian forces in the general area, has added to the security in the area, and has assisted the reduction of banditry against the local population.
The UN follow-on force, which will take over from EUFOR on 15 March 2009, is expected to have a wider deployment in eastern Chad so as to further deter armed and criminal elements.
MINURCAT will act under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which means that the force is authorised to take all necessary measures within its capabilities and its area of operations in eastern Chad to fulfil its mandate.
I visited Chad from 24 –26 February 2009 to see at first hand the work of the Irish Defence Forces Personnel serving with EUFOR. On arrival in N'Djamena, I travelled to Camp Europa (EUFOR's Rear HQ) where I was briefed by the Deputy Force Commander.
On 25 February 2009, I visited Camp Ciara, which is the headquarters of the Irish-led multinational battalion. After a series of briefings and lunch with the troops, I addressed them and congratulated them on the tremendous job they are doing under extremely difficult conditions and terrain. I conveyed to them the best wishes of the Government and the Irish people in the work they are undertaking. I also had the opportunity to visit a patrol base at Koukou Angarana and a refugee camp.
The Irish personnel are making a significant difference on the ground and are enhancing Ireland's international reputation as neutral, impartial and professional peacekeepers. I was very impressed by the motivation being shown by our troops in the performance of their duties in difficult circumstances, their energy and the good atmosphere in the camp generally.
The UN Follow-On Force is the first example of a Transfer of Authority (TOA) between the EU and the UN. Arrangements in this regard are progressing well. There is excellent cooperation between the UN and EUFOR and it is expected that there will be no security gap in the transition from EUFOR to MINURCAT. Negotiations with the Government of Chad in relation to the handover of EUFOR assets to the UN were very prolonged and detailed, but these had now been finalised.
