Vol. 438 No. 6
20 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Defence if there is a system in place which would allow for posthumous decorations to be conferred on those members of the Defence Forces who lost their lives in the NIEMBA ambush during their service for the United Nations in the Congo.
Defence Force Regulations allow for the posthumous award of medals to members of the Defence Forces.
These 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. Of the victims of the Niemba Ambush, the relevant Military Board recommended the award of a medal only in the case of Trooper Anthony Browne, to whom the Military Medal for Gallantry was awarded posthumously.
