CONCERN WAS raised in the Dáil about the impact on Defence Forces operations in Chad of the decision by neighbouring Sudan to expel foreign aid agencies.

The issue was raised as TDs backed a Government motion for the continued deployment of 400 Irish personnel in the African country as part of a United Nations mission. The troops have served to date in an EU-led operation, protecting refugees fleeing war-torn Darfur in Sudan and internally displaced Chadians.

The deployment will continue on a “year-to-year” basis with a decision yet to be made on whether it will be for a maximum of two or three more years.

Under the EU operation, Ireland paid its own costs but with the UN mission the Government will recoup about €8.5 million of the €16.2 million annual cost.

As part of the “blue hat” UN mission, Brig Gen Gerald Aherne has been appointed deputy force commander. An Irish officer will serve as chief operations officer.

Minister of State for Defence Pat Carey told the Dáil the Government has been assured that Irish troops have all the necessary supports to do their job, and protection of the force is always paramount, although “all missions involve some element of risk”.

Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir on Wednesday expelled 10 aid agencies after an arrest warrant was issued against him by the International Criminal Court for alleged atrocities in Darfur.

Fergus O’Dowd (FG, Louth) said the troops must be able to react instantly if refugees begin fleeing from Sudan. “We must have assurances that the handover process will not weaken the position of our soldiers and place them at risk,” he said.

Labour defence spokesman Brian O’Shea welcomed the improved security in the region due to the operation. However, he was concerned about the effect of further refugees moving from Darfur and the consequences for the operation of Irish troops.

Sinn Féin defence spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh welcomed the move to a UN operation. “This is where we should have been. EU military missions are unconstitutional for our supposed military neutrality,” he said.

Mr Carey said “those responsible for the abuse of human rights in Darfur must face the consequences of their actions”.

He added that the Defence Forces had a “full range of force protection assets”, and the Department of Foreign Affairs is in contact with Irish NGOs working in Sudan.