Vol. 505 No. 2
69 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 1 April 1999 in connection with Ireland's efforts to recover United Nations moneys due for troop costs, a schedule of payments has been proposed or worked out in relation to the arrears due; if an agreement will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13343/99]
As I indicated in my reply to the House on 1 April 1999, the only missions for which Ireland is entitled to reimbursement of troop costs by the UN are the United Nations interim force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, and the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus, UNFICYP. Troop costs in respect of these missions are calculated at the rate of US $1087.10 per person per month.
On 30 April 1999 the total amount owing to my Department by the United Nations in respect of contributions towards troop and other costs associated with the participation of Defence Force personnel in UN missions was calculated at IR£8.9 million approximately.
The problem of arrears owing to Ireland and to other troop contributing countries for peacekeeping costs is a result of the ongoing financial crisis which the UN has been experiencing for the last number of years, and is not due to any unwillingness on the part of the UN Secretariat to clear arrears. The financial crisis has been caused by the failure of many member states to pay their assessed contributions to the UN regular and peacekeeping budgets in full and on time. The overall problem of arrears owing to the UN has led to a situation in which the Secretary General has sought to give priority to maintaining the programmes and activities of the UN system. However, he has also acknowledged the importance of reimbursing troop-contributing countries for peacekeeping costs and reimbursement payments are made to Ireland on a phased basis as funds become available to the UN. Over the six months to date the UN repaid arrears of £4 million approximately, almost entirely in respect of UNIFIL.
