Vol. 443 No. 9
50 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the total amount of moneys due to the Government from the United Nations for UNIFIL; the progress that has been made to recover such moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A total of about £12.5 million is currently due to this Department by the United Nations relating to involvement in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The amount outstanding is the subject of ongoing representations to the United Nations by the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs made both bilaterally and in conjunction with our partners in the European Community. I met the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Peace-Keeping Operations in New York some time ago and availed of the opportunity of press for early reimbursement of arrears due to this country in respect of peace-keeping missions. Since then a payment of more than £1 million has been received in respect of UNIFIL arrears. I will continue to pursue this matter vigorously.
