Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2005
86 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if, further to his reply of 26 January 2005, there is further information on an appropriate form of commemoration for the Irish soldiers involved in the events in Jadotville more than 40 years ago while on service with the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6704/05]
View answerAs outlined to the House on 26 January 2005, detailed consideration was being given to the most appropriate form of commemoration for those involved in the events in Jadotville and I am pleased to be in a position to report on the progress made since then.
I have decided that a plaque will be situated in Athlone to commemorate the events at Jadotville and the very significant contribution of A company and of the 35th battalion, as a whole, to the UN peace support mission in the Congo. To this end, discussions are ongoing at present in the Western Brigade regarding the siting of this plaque.
I have also decided that portraits of Lieutenant Colonel McNamee, 35th battalion commander, and Commandant Quinlan, company commander A company, will be commissioned and arrangements in this regard are under way. Once completed, it is intended that these portraits will hang in the Congo Room in the United Nations Training School in the Curragh.
