Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2004
57 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence if a board of military officers has reviewed the events of September 1961 at Jadotville; if the board has made a recommendation regarding further action that should be taken; the full progress to date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18027/04]
View answer110 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 11 May 2004, the position regarding the completion of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18022/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 110 together.
As I previously outlined, the Chief of Staff has received a submission from a retired Army officer who served at Jadotville seeking a review of the events of September 1961. The Chief of Staff arranged for the submission to be examined by a board of military officers. I have been informed by the Chief of Staff that he has recently received a report from the board of officers. Having examined the report, he has requested clarification on a number of matters. This clarification, which involves research of archival material, has been requested by 1 July 2004. Pending the outcome of the examination, it would not be appropriate for me to comment. I will carefully consider any recommendations that the Chief of Staff may make on the issue.
I am pleased to hear there has been some progress, hopefully significant progress, on this matter since it was last mentioned here four or five weeks ago. At that time the Minister gave an undertaking that there would be no undue delay and that it would be processed as soon as possible. Has the board of military officers charged with this matter interviewed or contacted any of the survivors who participated in the event at Jadotville 43 years ago or has any of them made submissions? The last time the Minister replied that a former serving officer in the Congo at the time made a submission? Has anybody else made a submission and, if so, has it been considered? If submissions were to be made would they be considered by the board?
As I indicated to Deputy McGinley on the last occasion, I was anxious that this matter proceed as expeditiously as possible. That has happened and the board has been established. It would not be the practice for a Minister to get involved directly in either requesting that former or retired members are met. The board is independent and will make its own independent assessment. If the board judges it necessary to meet and interview anybody it is its sole discretion to do that without let or hindrance from me.
Obviously the Chief of Staff, having seen the report, was anxious that some matters be clarified. Given that the event took place many years ago, a number of issues have to be checked and archival material has to be looked at. I have indicated to him that I am anxious to have the matter processed quickly and that the information requested should be made available to him by 1 July 2004. I should see it shortly thereafter after which I will be in direct contact with the Deputy.
I thank the Minister.
