asked the Minister for Defence if the £20 million received from the United Nations will be directed back through his Department for the purchase of equipment and the modernisation of Army barracks.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Receipts from UN.
4.
(Limerick West): Expenditure by my Department of the nature referred to in the Deputy's question is not related to receipts from the United Nations. The sum of £20 million mentioned in fact represents the amount outstanding until recently in respect of our participation in UNIFIL. As at 31 October 1988, the shortfall in reimbursable entitlements from the United Nations was approximately £14 million.
In view of the frightening urgency displayed by the Minister earlier in the House, could I suggest that the moneys referred to here be used to remedy the situation? Is the Minister aware of the situation on the ground where serving soldiers are in the hands of moneylenders, cannot pay their home loans——
We have passed on from that subject matter. The Deputy may not repeat it now.
I am asking the Minister if this money could be redirected in this way.
I am calling the next question. The Deputy is clearly being disorderly.