Chill went around the room when EU ministers told of attack in Mali, says Frances Fitzgerald

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said “a chill went around the room” at a meeting of EU ministers as they were told of the attack in Mali.

Ms Fitzgerald said the latest attack in the African state “was a stark reminder if we needed a reminder”.

But Enda Kenny said if requested, Ireland will still consider sending extra troops to Mali.

He confirmed the 10 Irish troops deployed to Mali five weeks ago were all safe.

“Any request that comes before the minister for foreign affairs obviously will be considered by government, but would have to apply with the conditions under which we would give assistance in any kind of form.”

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said the State must remain neutral. “We should only be employing Irish defence forces and other personnel under a UN mandate, so I would have huge concerns about what is being suggested.”

However, Ms Fitzgerald said there were ways in which Irish troops could be deployed without impacting on the neutrality of the State.

“We are neutral, but in terms of co-operation and support, I think there are many different levels apart from militarily that that can be done; obviously peacekeeping is one of the ways.”

Defence Minister Simon Coveney said: “We haven’t made any decisions yet in relation to if and where we will send extra troops…

“I’m not going to overstretch our defence forces. We have to prepare properly, train properly, and ensure that we manage risk appropriately in any overseas mission we have.”