42 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money currently owed to Ireland by the United Nations for peacekeeping duties undertaken by the Defence Forces overseas; and the action, if any, he is taking to ensure prompt payment of these amounts.

43 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money outstanding to the Government for overseas services; when he expects this money to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A total of about £11 million is currently due to my Department by the United Nations. Of this amount, £10.2 million relates to involvement in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon — UNIFIL. The remaining shortfall of £0.8 million arises out of participation in the United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus — UNFICYP.

The arrears in question are the subject of ongoing representations to the United Nations by the Department of Foreign Affairs and my Department made both bilaterally and in conjunction with our partners in the European Community.