Vol. 441 No. 2
26 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money owed in respect of UN peacekeeping duties by Irish troops throughout the world; if outstanding amounts will be recouped in full; if so, the timescale; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A total of about £13.5 million is currently due to this Department by the United Nations. Of this amount, £12.4 million relates to involvement in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Of the remaining shortfall of £1.1 million, £0.9 million arises out of participation in the United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus and £0.2 million from participation in the United Nations Operation in Somalia.
The amount outstanding in respect of Irish involvement in UN peace-keeping operations is the subject of ongoing representations to the United Nations by the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs made both bilaterally and in conjunction with our partners in the European Community. I met the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Peace-Keeping Operations in New York recently and availed of the opportunity to press for early reimbursement of arrears due to this country in respect of peace-keeping missions. Since then a payment of more than £1 million has been received in respect of UNIFIL arrears. I will continue to pursue this matter vigorously.
