No plans for Defence Forces to get long-range aircraft

Fine Gael defence spokesman Jimmy Deenihan estimated that Ireland's participation in a peacekeeping mission in Chad would cost €60 million.

Mr Deenihan asked Minister for State for Defence Tom Kitt to confirm that the €60 million would not be taken out of mainstream funding for the Defence Forces.

"At present there is major pressure on different elements of the Defence Forces for ongoing funding. Certainly the Defence Forces are not robust enough to make €60 million available at this time. Will the Minister of State confirm that provision will be made in the estimates?"

Mr Kitt said he understood that the Defence Forces were examining a range of strategic lift options for the deployment of Defence Forces personnel and their sustainment in the region.

"It is difficult terrain, as the deputy will appreciate. The Defence Forces have standby arrangements in place in this regard, mainly involving commercial suppliers. Obviously discussions are ongoing with our EU partners. There are no plans to acquire large, long-range transport aircraft for the Defence Forces."

Mr Kitt said the Government would be advised accordingly when the formal decision on participation in the force was presented for consideration this month.

"The House will be told about this specifically, and will then decide on going forward. I hope we do. When going in there we will ensure the troops are well equipped, and that every possible care and attention is taken with regard to their safety."

Mr Deenihan asked Mr Kitt to examine the feasibility of having the State's own transport capability. "While he said it would not be economical to have our own transport capability, I understand the Minister of State with responsibility for overseas aid, Deputy Conor Lenihan, is quite receptive to this idea.

"Certainly senior members in the Army are also receptive to the idea of small transport planes that could be used for military and humanitarian purposes. Apparently there is a very strong case for that capability. Will the Minister of State ask the Minister to look at the issue seriously?"

Mr Kitt said he had visited 23 countries in Africa as Minister for overseas development on two occasions.

"My experience is that the Department of Foreign Affairs have used small aircraft in different situations in supporting the NGO effort."