asked the Minister for Defence the payments which are due by the United Nations authorities in respect of the Irish contingent of UNIFIL, indicating the amounts outstanding; the amount of time that such payments have been outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - UNIFIL Payments.
24.
Limerick West): As at 31 October 1988 a total shortfall of about £14 million in reimbursable entitlements from the United Nations had accumulated in respect of participation by personnel of the Permanent Defence Force in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since May 1978.
The question of securing repayment of the amounts outstanding has been pursued vigorously and continuously with the United Nations through the Department of Foreign Affairs using all appropriate means at its disposal. Concern has been expressed by Irish delegations at successive sessions of the UN General Assembly regarding the withholding of contributions to the UNIFIL account by certain UN member states, which gave rise to the shortfall in the first place.
In conjunction with other countries participating in UNIFIL, we will continue to press the United Nations for full reimbursement of all the amounts outstanding.