Dáil row over safety of troops in Chad

DEFENCE Minister Willie O’Dea and Fine Gael TD John Deasy clashed in the Dáil yesterday over the proposed deployment of army personnel to Chad.

The row broke out over Mr O’Dea’s attempts to assure the Dáil that medical and logistical issues had been addressed to safeguard the troops.

Mr Deasy claimed Mr O’Dea did “not have a clue” about the issues involved. Mr O’Dea said he had addressed all the issues and suggested Mr Deasy was deaf.