Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Exchequer has been fully reimbursed arising from overseas deployment of Irish military personnel on peacekeeping or other duties on behalf of EU or UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14534/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The UN reimburses some personnel and Contingent Owned Equipment costs in respect of contributions of personnel to UN led operations. Rates of reimbursement, fixed in accordance with UN categories of equipment and personnel, are agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ireland and the UN for each mission. The only mission for which Ireland is currently entitled to reimbursement of some troop and equipment costs, is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The total amount currently owing to the Department of Defence by the United Nations in respect of contributions towards troop and other costs associated with the participation of Defence Forces personnel in UN missions is calculated at €11.2 million approximately. This amount, includes €4.5 million in respect of the current UNIFIL mission and €6.7 million in respect of repatriation costs of both personnel and equipment from the MINURCAT mission in Chad. The amount owing in relation to the MINURCAT mission is the subject of ongoing negotiations with the UN.

The recovery from the UN of the monies owed is pursued with the UN on an ongoing basis by the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in conjunction with the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the UN in New York.

Ireland is not entitled to any reimbursement in respect of Defence Forces participation in EU-led missions as all troop contributors to such missions are responsible for their own costs.