Statement by the Minister for Defence
Mr. Willie O’Dea TD
The Minister for Defence, Mr. Willie O’Dea, T.D., today briefed his Cabinet colleagues on the ongoing situation in Chad.
Minister O’Dea advised the Cabinet that the 54 members of the Defence Forces due to deploy to Chad remain on standby. In accordance with the Operation Commander, Lt. Gen Pat Nash’s judgement, deployment of our contingent has been deferred until next week due to the unavailability of the airport in N’Djamena to EUFOR personnel.
“Provided that the situation continues to stabilise, the deployment of our troops is expected to take place within 8 - 10 days. However, this is contingent upon the prevailing operational circumstances and the availability of the airport. The Defence Forces Headquarters in Dublin, the
Operational HQ in Paris and the Force HQ in Abeche in Chad are continuing to monitor the situation on the ground,” stated Minister O’Dea.
“The Defence Forces are continuing to maintain regular contact with the
eight soldiers currently serving in Chad and I have been advised that all
are safe and well. We will take whatever action is necessary to ensure the
safety of our personnel. We will continue to monitor the situation in
consultation with EU partners and the Operational Commander Lieutenant
General Pat Nash.”
“Ireland remains fully committed to this mission. The urgent necessity to
provide security and protection to the camps housing the 400,000 refugees
and displaced persons affected by the situation in Darfur remains,” stated
Minister O’Dea.
“The current incursion is a matter for the Chadian authorities and does not
fall within the remit of the UN mandated mission, which is focused on the
protection of the refugees and internally displaced persons,” concluded
Minister O’Dea.
Ends.
5th February 2008 |  | |
| Related Speeches |
12 January 2010 SPEECH BY MR. WILLIE O’DEA, T.D., MINISTER FOR DEFENCE AT THE REVIEW OF 102nd INFANTRY BATTALION - LEAVING IRELAND SHORTLY FOR PEACEKEEPING DUTY IN CHAD.8 September 2009 Speech by Minister O'Dea at the Review of the 101 Infantry Battalion - leaving Ireland shortly for Peacekeeping Duty in Chad1 May 2008 Minister O' Dea reviews Chad Troops |
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