THE MINISTER for Defence, Willie O’Dea, said he had been assured by the Army that there were adequate medical facilities for Irish soldiers serving in Chad.
“This is one of the best supported missions from the point of view of safety in which we have ever engaged,” he said.
Fine Gael’s defence spokesman Jimmy Deenihan said the Minister was no doubt aware of the “golden hour” whereby somebody seriously injured in the field were taken to a level-two military hospital within an hour.
“I appeal to the Minister that if the proper medical service is to be available to our troops, it should be provided at Goz Beida.
“I am aware he is examining the possibility of further helicopters being provided. The Minister should insist on that because the feedback I am getting indicates there is concern that such a service is not available.”
Mr Deenihan said there was concern that because of atmospheric conditions, helicopters might not be able to travel long distances because of fuelling capacity.
Mr O’Dea said the “golden hour” was the availability of immediate medical treatment, and any Irish patrol would be accompanied by one or more medical officers and a number of other medically qualified people, some of whom were paramedics.
“They will be available to provide treatment immediately. We have found that in many cases the patient needs to be stabilised, even if they have to be taken to a level-one or level-two hospital subsequently.”
Meanwhile, Mr O’Dea told Labour spokesman Jack Wall that there were no plans for participation by the Reserve Defence Force in overseas missions this year.
However, it was hoped that a small number of reservists would be available to serve overseas by the end of next year.
“As specified in the plan, any such participation by members of the reserve is likely to be in specialised areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services.This will also be subject to personnel having suitable qualifications, their personal availability and appropriate advance training.”
Mr Wall said many reservists were young people and overseas missions would play a major part in their willingness to continue in the reserve defence force.
Mr O’Dea said that there were 8,265 reservists. There were now better training, equipment and resourcing, as well as the development of the integrated reserve.
“From the inquiries I am getting, I know there is quite a degree of interest. I have no doubt that when he decide on a quota of reservists, that we shall be sending them overseas next year.”
