Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
1725. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost incurred each year for the past ten years and the estimate for 2016 in respect of services to and participation in UN operations; the amount received from the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41879/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1726. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of funds received each year for each of the past ten years, including 2016, from the United Nations in respect of costs incurred assisting and co-operating with UN activities; the total amount outstanding at the end of 2016; if this amount is expected to be received; the place this figure is recorded in the national accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41880/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1725 and 1726 together.
The total costs in respect of pay and allowances, travel and subsistence and transportation of military personnel serving with United Nations missions over the period 2007 to 2016 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
€000 |
24,174 |
3,134 |
31,504 |
23,909 |
21,629 |
34,584 |
31,498 |
27,985 |
29,397 |
30,046 |
The UN reimburses some personnel and Contingent Owned Equipment costs in respect of contributions of personnel to UN led operations. Rates of reimbursement, fixed in accordance with UN categories of equipment and personnel, are agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the UN for each mission. The missions for which Ireland is currently entitled to reimbursement of some troop and equipment costs are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights. The timing of the receipt of reimbursements is dependent on the financial situation at the UN. Reimbursements are received in arrears.
The amounts received from the UN each year since 2007 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
€000 |
10,206 |
251 |
2,667 |
7,108 |
3,662 |
9,204 |
8,529 |
6,133 |
10,642 |
12,940 |
The total amount due from the UN at the end of 2016 is €2.2 m and this is expected to be received during 2017.
All receipts in respect of costs for the United Nations are recorded as Appropriations in Aid on the Vote 36 Defence Annual Appropriation Accounts. Net expenditure for Vote 36 is included in overall Government figures in the National Accounts statistics, compiled by the Central Statistics Office.
