Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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520. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which payments from the United Nations in respect of overseas service by the Defence Forces remain up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22401/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, 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 between Ireland and the UN for each mission. The missions for which Ireland is currently entitled to reimbursement of some troop and equipment costs are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights.

Since 1 January 2015, approximately €2m has been received from the United Nations in respect of reimbursement of troop and other costs associated with the participation of Defence Forces personnel in UNIFIL and UNDOF. The amount currently owing to the Department of Defence by the United Nations is approximately €8.2 million. This amount relates to the current UNIFIL (€1.5m) and UNDOF (€0.3m) missions. It also includes €6.4 million in respect of repatriation costs of equipment from the MINURCAT mission in Chad. The amount owing in relation to the MINURCAT mission is currently the subject of a review by the United Nations.

A Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the United Nations is also being finalised in respect of Defence Forces participation in the UNDOF mission. While troop costs for the UNDOF mission have been reimbursed by the United Nations, equipment costs will be reimbursed following signature of the Memorandum of Understanding.

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.