Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013
422. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which payment from the UN in respect of deployment of Irish troops overseas remains up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29319/13]
View answerThe UN reimburses some personnel and Contingent Owned Equipment costs in respect of contributions of personnel to UN led operations. Rates of reimbursement, fixed in accordance with UN categories of equipment and personnel, are agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ireland and the UN for each mission. The only mission for which Ireland is currently entitled to reimbursement of some troop and equipment costs, is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Since 1 January 2012, the total amount received from the United Nations in respect of contributions towards troop and other costs associated with the participation of Defence Forces personnel in UNIFIL is calculated at €13.4m. The amount currently owing to the Department of Defence by the United Nations is calculated at €10.8 million approximately. This amount includes €4.4 million in respect of the current UNIFIL mission which we would expect to receive in the coming weeks and €6.4 million in respect of repatriation costs of equipment from the MINURCAT mission in Chad. The amount owing in relation to the MINURCAT mission is currently the subject of ongoing negotiations with the UN. Ireland is not entitled to any reimbursement in respect of Defence Forces participation in EU-led missions as all troop contributors to such missions are responsible for their own costs.
