President Mary McAleese has said the people of Ireland wish the peacekeepers currently deploying in Chad the very best in their difficult and complex mission.
Speaking in Lourdes where she is leading a pilgrimage by a large group of Irish soldiers, Mrs McAleese said she hoped the arrival of the European troops there would be the answer to the prayers of the Chadian people.
Mrs McAleese said the faith placed in General Pat Nash by the EU was earned the hard way by the Defence Forces in previous missions in Congo, Lebanon, Liberia and Kosovo.
The President said the prayers of the Irish go with the Irish soldiers being deployed in Chad.
But she said in the midst of chaos and uncertainty the Defence Forces will bring hope and help to the people of Chad who have had a tormented life.
