Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 4

Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

157 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces are in a position to respond to further requests for international peacekeepers; and if there are enough volunteers to meet the demands for the next tour of duty in Lebanon. [20595/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Following the deployment on 13 October 1999 of a contingent comprising 40 members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the multinational force in East Timor, INTERFET, the total number of Defence Forces personnel currently serving with UN missions is 843. This number is subject to fluctuation in line with changes in mission strengths, repatriations etc.

Requests for personnel of the Defence Forces to serve on overseas missions are considered on their merits in the prevailing circumstances within the context of the United Nations Standby Arrangement System, UNSAS. Among the factors taken into account when considering the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas are security considerations at home and the level of existing overseas commitments.

I am happy to report that there are sufficient volunteers to fill all appointments in the 86th Infantry Battalion UNIFIL, which is due to depart for Lebanon tomorrow.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

161 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the amount of arrears due to his Department from the United Nations in relation to troop and other costs associated with the participation by the Defence Forces in UN missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20599/99]

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

162 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the cost of Defence Forces' participation in overseas missions for each of the years from 1995 to 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20600/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.

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 $1087.10 US per person per month.

The total amount owing to my Department by the United Nations, as at 30 September 1999, in respect of contributions towards troop and other costs associated with the participation of Defence Force personnel in UN missions was calculated at IR£9.5 million approximately.

Continuous efforts are made to recover from the United Nations the moneys owed. These efforts are strenuously pursued with the United Nations on an ongoing basis by the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations in New York. Both my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and I take every opportunity to raise with the UN Ireland's concerns regarding arrears. During the visit of the UN Secretary General to Ireland the opportunity was taken to raise Ireland's concern about arrears owing in respect of our participation in UN peacekeeping operations. Since 1 January 1999, the UN has repaid arrears of £3 million approximately, almost entirely in respect of UNIFIL.

The additional cost to the Vote for Defence in each of the years 1995 to 1999 arising from participation by the Defence Forces in overseas missions is approximately as follows: 1995, £8.7 million; 1996, £8.7 million; 1997, £8.5 million; 1998, £8.5 million; 1999, £6.5 million to 30 September 1999.

The above figures include, for example, costs of overseas allowances, temporary promotions, preparation of contingents and travel on leave.