131 Mr. Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount currently owing by the UN to this country for peacekeeping duties; and if he will make a statement on this debt, if any. [18495/96]

As of 30 September, 1996, the amount owing to Ireland by the UN arising from our participation in peacekeeping operations was IR£12,416,162. Most of these arrears are owed in respect of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon — UNIFIL — a peacekeeping operation to which we provide a troop battalion as our major commitment of personnel to the maintenance of international peace and security under the UN Charter.

The total deficit is accounted for as follows: