Irish Troops To Head To Chad In February

The mission had been delayed due to a lack of key enablers, in particular tactical and medevac helicopters and medical facilities. At the Force Generation Conference in Brussels, a number of countries made substantive offers to meet the critical shortfalls which will now allow the mission to proceed.

"While the process has taken longer than anticipated, it has reached a successful conclusion in the end. I would like to congratulate Lt. Gen. Pat Nash on his relentless work. Since his appointment he has worked tirelessly, together with his staff, to progress this mission. He is a credit to Ireland and to the Defence Forces. The launch of this mission demonstrates the potential of the European Union to respond to conflict and humanitarian crisis. The mission is also evidence of the important role the EU can play in support of the United Nations, which authorised the mission."

"I very much welcome the offers made today by member States to this important mission. I recently wrote to my European colleagues emphasising the importance of the mission both for the EU and for the people of Chad and the Central African Republic. Many member States already have very substantial and extensive commitments in the Balkans, the Middle East and Afghanistan. I am relieved therefore that they were able to respond positively to the crisis in Chad."

It is expected that the first Irish troops will be on the ground early in February.