Vol. 418 No. 1
86 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the present position with regard to moneys owed to the Government from the UN for the years 1989, 1990 and 1991; the steps he proposes to take to recover the moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
89 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the amount due to the Government from the United Nations for UNIFIL.
90 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the moneys which are owed to Ireland for peace-keeping duties by the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86, 89 and 90 together.
As at 31 December 1991 a shortfall of about £14.7 million in reimbursable entitlements from the United Nations had accumulated in respect of participation by personnel of the Permanent Defence Forces in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon and Cyprus. Of this amount £13.9 million relates to involvement in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon since May 1978. The remaining shortfall of £0.8 million arises out of participation in the United Nations Force in Cyprus which commenced in April 1964. The amounts outstanding at the end of 1989 and 1990 respectively were £19.6 million, and £16.6 million each, including £0.7 million in respect of participation in the United Nations Force in Cyprus.
The arrears in question are the subject of ongoing representations to the United Nations by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Defence, made both bilaterally and in conjunction with our partners in the European Community.
