Vol. 529 No. 4
76 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Irish companies that have made claims through her Department to an Iraqi war reparation fund for commercial losses suffered as a result of the Gulf War; the companies and the amount of compensation sought in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3015/01]
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment acts as a conduit for Irish companies who have made claims for compensation for losses arising from the Gulf War to the United Nations Compensation Commission UNCC. Fifteen companies based in Ireland submitted claims through this Department. Of those, one company subsequently withdrew its claim, and another is now pursuing its claim through its eurozone parent company. The 13 remaining claims were made in three different currencies, Irish pounds, pounds sterling and US dollars. The total values of the claims are as follows: IR£3,265,963; Stg£3,443,764; and US$35,954,038. So far, the UNCC has decided not to grant compensation in relation to six claims. It has granted some compensation in relation to one claim and the remaining six claims are still being processed.
It would not be appropriate for me to give information in relation to specific companies which would be private and commercially sensitive for those companies.
The UNCC was established in 1991 in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council to arrange for payment of compensation by Iraq for losses, damage or injury arising from the illegal invasion and occupation of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990-91. Compensation is awarded only for losses, damage or injuries incurred, and awards include no element of punitive damages.
