Austin Deasy
Ceist:125 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence if the United Nations fully re-imbursed the Government for the costs involved in providing personnel for peacekeeping missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5040/99]
Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.
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 Interim Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Troop costs in respect of these missions are calculated at the rate of $1087.10 US per person per month.
On 1 February 1999 the total amount due to my Department from the United Nations was IR£8.1 million approximately, as opposed to the amount due on 1 May 1998 viz IR£9.6 million which was the greatest amount due for any month in 1998. The total extra costs, excluding pay and allowances, net of reimbursement, in respect of Defence Forces personnel currently participating in UNIFIL, UNFICYP and the Stabilisation Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina – SFOR – is estimated at IR£2.1 million per year.
I refer the Deputy to the reply by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to a question in the House on 17 February 1999, on the matter of outstanding arrears due from the UN and the efforts being made to clear these amounts.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:126 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to rotate some members of UNIFIL with other peacekeeping missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4958/99]
There are no plans at present to rotate members of the Defence Forces serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon – UNIFIL – with any other peacekeeping mission. This matter will, however, be kept under review.