asked the Minister for Defence the number of battalions, units etc., who will be going on overseas duties in 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Overseas.
10.
At present a contingent from the Permanent Defence Force is serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) consisting of a battalion of approximately 650 all ranks; a headquarters company of 61 all ranks and an element of 32 all ranks at UNIFIL headquarters.
In addition 21 officers are serving with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) and eight personnel are serving with United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
The six-month tour of duty of the UNIFIL contingent will conclude in April 1986. Subject to the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate to cover the period beyond 19 April 1986 when the mandate expires, and having regard to the situation in southern Lebanon in the meantime, the Government will decide regarding the replacement in April next of the existing UNIFIL contingent by a further contingent.
Does the Minister expect that the UNIFIL mandate will be continued after April? In view of the large amount of money owed to this country by the UN due to the fact that some members are not making their national contributions, can the Minister confirm whether this is having any effect on the allowances paid to our soldiers serving with the UN overseas? Would the Minister agree that experience garnered by our military personnel overseas is invaluable?
I cannot give an opinion as to what the UN will do as regards the renewal of the mandate.
Is the Minister optimistic?
Having regard to the knowledge available, I imagine they are more likely to renew it than to terminate it. That is a fairly modest way to put it. There is money due by some countries to the UN for the cost of the UNIFIL operation and of course the Department of Foreign Affairs are pursuing this matter through United Nations channels and are also pursuing the UN for arrears due to this country from them. There has been no adverse effect on the overseas allowances by virtue of that financial position. In fact, when I visited Lebanon last October I was pleased to be able to announce a 15 per cent increase in overseas allowances backdated over some months. I agree that experience in UNIFIL has been of considerable benefit to our Defence Forces.
Are the increases being given to our soldiers serving overseas being funded by the United Nations? If in the morning we were to get the moneys due from the UN, would this money be utilised within the Department of Defence and for military purposes?
It would come in as an Appropriation-in-aid to the Department of Defence Estimate and in that sense it would be utilised by the Department of Defence.