400 Irish troops to join UN mission in Chad

SOME 400 Irish troops are to be deployed to the war-torn country of Chad in the most expensive mission ever undertaken by the army, following cabinet approval yesterday.

The troops will form part of a European Union military operation which will shortly be deployed to eastern Chad and north-eastern Central African Republic.

However, troops will not be deployed until Lt General Pat Nash, who is overseeing the operation, is satisfied current deficiencies are addressed. Recent problems have centred on the lack of a medical facility in Eastern Chad and the absence of helicopters and airplanes.