Concerns over medical back-up for troops in Liberia

SENIOR army officers yesterday expressed serious concern about levels of medical support for 430 troops being sent to Liberia on UN peace enforcement duties after Christmas.

There are fears that there may not be enough medical back-up for soldiers in the event of injuries or contraction of dangerous diseases such as malaria.

President of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO), Lieutenant Colonel Paul Allen said it would be potentially the most dangerous operation for the troops, similar to operations in Kosovo, East Timor and Somalia.

"Our greatest concern is medical back-up because Liberia has been torn by civil strife and has no medical infrastructure," he told the RACO conference, in Tralee, Co Kerry.

An army reconnaissance team recently returned from Liberia and had confidence in the situation there, but he said they were waiting for reassurances from Defence Minister Michael Smith about certain medical provisions. Lieutenant Colonel Allen said the army would be providing the first level of care first aid and two doctors and if acute hospital care was needed, injured soldiers would be flown back to Dublin.

He said reassurance was needed about field hospitals and medical aid posts.

However, Mr Smith last night said a huge effort was being made to minimise the risks that confronted solders.

The Government will commit troops for up to four years in Liberia on what is regarded as one of the most dangerous missions ever undertaken by them.

A squad from the Army Rangers wing will be sent to Liberia next week, part of unprecedented precautions to protect the UN peace enforcers.

The Dáil is expected to give approval today to their deployment on an initial six-month mission, which starts next month.

Mr Smith said: "While no absolute guarantees can be given with regard to the safety of troops serving in missions, it is the policy and practice to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are adequately trained and equipped to carry out their mission."

Commenting on officers' claims about inadequate medical back-up, Mr Smith said the Irish group included two doctors and a platoon of 12 highly experienced paramedics.