Ireland is owed in the region of €11.5m by the UN for its contribution to peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and Chad.

The final batch of Irish peacekeeping troops serving in war-torn Chad were tonight making the long journey home.

THE first batch of Irish troops finally arrived back on home soil from Chad yesterday after being delayed by the ash cloud.

Irish troops in Chad’s volatile eastern region flanked dozens of evacuated aid workers today after reports of rebel movements in the troubled area.

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea today begins an official three-day visit to Irish troops serving in Chad.