A decision in regard to the deployment of Irish troops to Chad will be taken on the basis of events over the coming 72 hours, according to the Defence Forces.

The deployment of Irish troops to Chad faced a further delay tonight after it emerged rebel troops were closing in on the capital forcing the closure of the local airport.

The decentralisation of the army and defence headquarters to separate sites in Kildare could cost taxpayers millions of extra euro, it was claimed today.

THE Government is considering proposals to boost the strength of an elite army unit following a terrorist threat assessment.