asked the Minister for Defence if the United Nations have been paying the amount due to this country for the Defence Force personnel engaged in peace-keeping in Cyprus and the Middle East; if not, what amounts are due; and what steps are being taken to recover this amount.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - UN Peace-keeping Dues.
62.
Claims made on the United Nations to date in respect of participation of members of the Permanent Defence Force in peace-keeping duties in Cyprus amount to £2,570,877 18s 10d and of this £2,162,004 9s 3d has been paid leaving a balance outstanding of £408,872, 12s 7d. The question of the repayment of this outstanding amount is being pursued vigorously with the United Nations.
Expenses incurred in respect of Irish officers serving with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation in the Middle East are not recoverable from the United Nations.
Can the Minister state for how long the balance of almost £500,000 has been outstanding?
I have not got the actual date.
I take it that the amount has been outstanding for a considerable time? Although this country is supplying troops to the United Nations and we are doing a good job, the United Nations do not appear to be living up to their commitments.
I can tell the Deputy now that the amount has been outstanding for about 12 months.