Vol. 409 No. 10
12 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Defence the total amount of money owed to this country arising from participation by Irish forces in United Nations peace-keeping operations; and the steps being taken to have the money recovered.
As at 31 May 1991, a total shortfall of about £16.4 million in reimbursable entitlements from the United Nations had accumulated in respect of participation by personnel of the Permanent Defence Force in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon and Cyprus. Of this amount, £15.7 million relates to involvement in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon since May 1978. The remaining shortfall of £0.7 million arises out of participation in the United Nations Force in Cyprus which commenced in April 1964.
I understand from the Department of Foreign Affairs that the arrears in question are the subject of ongoing representations to the United Nations, made both bilaterally and in conjunction with our partners in the European Community.
Would the Minister agree that it is not good enough that this country which has few resources should be owed such a large amount of money, £16.4 million? In view of the need for each country to pay its share can the Minister tell us if this country has paid its share and which countries have not paid? I understand that both the United States and the USSR have not contributed their shares. Is it right that this country should be owed such a large amount of money? Would the Minister seek to have the matter dealt with expeditiously?
Representations have been made, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the United Nations in an effort to have the matter remedied. A sizeable proportion of the arrears due has been paid and some of the member states who are in arrears have given a commitment to bring their payments up-to-date. As I said, the strongest possible representations have been made, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the United Nations to ensure that whatever arrears are due will be paid. He will continue to do so.
Question No. 14.
Question No. 13.
Why did the Deputy not respond?
Question No. 13.
Question No. 13 has been disposed of.
No, it has not.
It was taken with Question No. 4.
