Madam, - While some TDs and Ministers draw both a salary and Dáil pension, it seems Irish soldiers can't play volleyball in Chad because it costs too much to repatriate someone who sustains a sports injury ("Irish soldiers in Chad banned from soccer and volleyball", May 7th). Are Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea and the force commander for real?
I suggest the Army should plan better before committing troops to such a noble cause. Allowing judo, while labelling volleyball as a contact sport and then banning it, is laughable. As a soldier I played volleyball on tarmac every day for 10 years without anyone being injured.
Troops shouldn't be sent in harm's way if their basic needs cannot be better met. - Yours, etc,