asked the Minister for External Affairs what is the present position regarding the reimbursement of expenses paid by this country in connection with the Irish troops serving with the United Nations in Cyprus.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Troops in Cyprus.
10.
The position in regard to the reimbursement of extra and extraordinary costs incurred in sending contingents to serve with the United Nations Force in Cyprus was last stated by me in reply to a question in the Dáil on 28th June, 1966. Since then we have received a further payment amounting to £148,700 from the United Nations in respect of extra costs incurred up to 26th March, 1966.
Having allowed for adjustments in earlier estimates, the present position is that total extra costs incurred in the period from March, 1964, to 26th June last were £1,226,439; claims presented to the United Nations reach £1,055,828; and payments received from the United Nations amount to £588,323. The amount outstanding at the present time is £638,116, made up of £160,611 for which claims have not yet been prepared and presented and £477,505 in respect of extra allowances incurred prior to 26th June, 1965, which is covered by the Secretary-General's assurance that he will use his best endeavours towards reimbursement.
I may add that the extra and extraordinary costs which will be incurred during the current six-month mandate which ends on 26th December, 1966, are covered by an assurance of the Secretary-General of full reimbursement.