Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps I did not explain it well. I ask Mr. Conlon to correct me if I am wrong, but the UN system works on three-year budgetary cycles and there is not an even allocation for each year. The UN chooses when to draw down certain amounts of money from different countries and it spikes up and down over that three-year period. We just happen to be in a year when a high payment is required. Last year, for example, we spent $26 million on UN contributions. This year, the corresponding amount is $50 million. Next year, that will probably go down to $24 million or $25 million. Over the three years, it will level out. The UN's accounting system calls down higher amounts of money in different years. It is not an even $25 million every year, if the Deputy knows what I mean.