57 Mr. Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether UN contributions to our peace keeping operations are still in deficit; if so, the amount of this deficit; the likelihood, if any, that the account will be in balance by the end of this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3159/96]

I have to inform the Deputy that UN reimbursement for our peacekeeping costs are still in deficit. Although reimbursements in the amount of IR£3.76 million have been received in the last six months, there is still a substantial amount of arrears owing. This is a cause for serious concern.

As of 13 February 1996, the amount owing to Ireland for costs arising from our participation in the peacekeeping missions of the UN totalled £10,518,000. The bulk of these arrears are owed in respect of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), an operation which accounts for our major personnel input into UN peacekeeping. The breakdown of the total deficit is: