Irish troops could return to Congo

Irish troops could be deployed as part of a peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The West African nation is sliding towards anarchy, and there are fears of a major human catastrophe unless peacekeepers are sent in.

The crisis has been highlighted at today's launch of Amnesty International's annual report.

Retired Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, General Gerry McMahon, has declared this afternoon he wants a central role for Ireland in efforts to avert a disaster.