asked the Minister for Defence the moneys due to this country at present by the United Nations in respect of the services provided by our forces abroad; and the efforts which are being made to recover moneys outstanding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Moneys Due from United Nations.
25.
(Limerick West): As at 31 December 1988 a total shortfall of about £15.1 million in reimbursable entitlements from the United Nations has accumulated in respect of participation by personnel of the Defence Forces in peace keeping operations in Lebanon and Cyprus. Of this amount £14.5 million relates to involvement in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since May 1978. The remaining shortfall of £0.6 million arises out of participation in the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), which commenced in April 1964.
The question of securing repayment of the amounts outstanding has been pursued vigorously and continuously with the United Nations through the Department of Foreign Affairs, using all appropriate means at their disposal. In regard to UNIFIL, concern has been expressed by Irish delegations at successive sessions of the UN General Assembly regarding the withholding of contributions to the UNIFIL account by certain UN member states, which gives rise to the shortfall in the first place. As regards UNFICYP, the position is that the force is financed by voluntary contributions from member states and these fall considerably short of the costs incurred.
In conjunction with other countries participating in UNIFIL and UNFICYP we will continue to press the United Nations for full reimbursement of all the amounts outstanding and for a strong and assured financial basis for peacekeeping operations.
Is the Minister satisfied that we should have to carry the burden of that amount for so long? What can he do to ensure that our Exchequer at least has not to carry that burden for as long as has been the case?
(Limerick West): I am not satisfied that we should carry the burden but if we are not getting the payments there is little we can do. Troops should be paid at the rate of US$1,048 per man per month, but we are being paid in the region of US$600 per man per month.