17 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish officers serving with the United Nations in Central America; and if he will give details of their terms of reference.

Thirty-one Irish officers are serving with the United Nations Observer Group in Central America (ONUCA). The original mandate of ONUCA was to conduct on-site verification of the cessation of aid to irregular forces and insurrectionist movements; and the non-use of the territory of one state for attacks on other states. The mandate was subsequently enlarged giving ONUCA the additional tasks of monitoring the cease-fire and separation of forces in Nicaragua and demobilising members of the Nicaraguan resistance.

Has the accord of 6 May between the Contras and the new government brought about a change of emphasis in the terms of reference of the ONUCA team, and has there been any apparent change of attitude towards the UN team from the former rebels who have moved into security zones in Nicaragua?

The demobilisation process was supposed to end on 10 June but is still in course. They are still engaged in the demobilisation effort.

My understanding is that there has been a change of attitude and approach which may have put the UN team at risk.

There are problems but by and large the situation in Nicaragua is settling reasonably well and the transfer of political power has taken place peacefully. The demobilisation process is under way and I cannot say whether it will go on for another few weeks. My information before 10 June was that it might go on beyond that date. I do not know of any really serious complications.