asked the Minister for Defence if he intends awarding the medal for gallantry or some fitting honour on those who died in the Niemba ambush; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Niemba Ambush Dead.
16.
(Limerick West): Defence Force Regulations provide that awards of a military medal for gallantry or a distinguished service medal shall be made by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of a military board appointed by the Chief of Staff for that purpose. There is no other power to make awards. While many cases are considered in accordance with the Regulations, awards are made only in relatively few instances. The cases of the victims of the Niemba ambush, with the exception of Tropper Anthony Browne, were not found to come within the circumstances in which awards might be made.
The Defence Forces do, of course, continue to honour the memory of, and recognise the sacrifices made by the men who died in the service of peace in the Congo.
I accept the Minister's explanation for the award medal for gallantry but could he not at the very least ensure that a fitting memorial is erected by the State acknowledging the valour and sacrifice of the nine Irish soldiers who died in the Niemba ambush? Will the Minister not agree that that would be a fitting way to honour their memory? Given that those soldiers came from Dublin units of the Defence Forces will the Minister not agree that such a memorial should be erected next year during the millennium celebrations in Dublin?
(Limerick West): There are no proposals to erect such a memorial before my Department. Those soldiers are honoured in a number of ceremonies annually such as the national day of commemoration and the ceremonies held by the Defence Forces on 2 November.
Will the Minister consider my suggestion given that there is no specific memorial to the nine soldiers who died in the Niemba ambush?
(Limerick West): Yes, it will be considered.
I support Deputy Gregory and I should like to ask the Minister to consider doing something special to honour those soldiers. It should be remembered that they knew they could not attack first to gain an advantage for themselves, a unique position in military matters. They were engaged in a UN peacekeeping operation, not a military one against an enemy. As those soldiers came from Dublin I should like to ask the Minister to consider having a monument erected to their memory somewhere in Dublin.
The Minister should accept that there would be unanimous support in the House, and throughout the country, for the Government to take an initiative in regard to this. Did the Minister receive representations from relatives of those who died, like other Members did? Will the Minister raise this matter with his Government colleagues and have that contribution by those soldiers commemorated in a fitting way? It is not a matter that we should have to pursue in the House and the Minister has an opportunity to raise it with his colleagues in Government. Something appropriate should be done to fill the vacuum that exists and is perceived to exist by the relatives of those soldiers.
(Limerick West): I have received similar representations and the suggestions made will be considered in due course.
The Minister should discuss the matter with the Cabinet.
Is the Minister aware of the proposal of Dublin Corporation to open a peace park in the Thomas Street/High Street area in the near future? Would it not be appropriate to consult Dublin Corporation on their proposals for that park because it would be a suitable location for the type of memorial suggested in the House?
(Limerick West): My Department are always ready to consult with any organisation.
Will the Minister pursue the suggestion put forward by Deputy Gregory?