Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
45. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will instruct the Defence Forces to award the veterans of the Siege of Jadotville with medals to recognise their bravery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13290/24]
View answerThe issue of awarding medals to the men of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion has been addressed on a number of occasions over the years. A review conducted in 2004 by military officers, the purpose of which was a broad examination of the Jadotville case, concluded with a recommendation that the events of Jadotville and the contribution of the 35th Battalion be given recognition. In addition to the above, an Independent Review Group (IRG) was established in 2021. The IRG report, which was published in July 2021, makes a number of recommendations in respect of the award of medals, honouring the role of families and the support they provided to veterans and in respect of veterans affairs. The Deputy may wish to note that, with one exception, the IRG do not recommend the award of any further medals.
In addition to the above the IRG recommended a review of the system of awarding medals to ensure its regulations and administrative instructions provide for a clear, coherent and comprehensive awards system that is overseen by an appropriate, independent, permanent Medals Award body. I can confirm the Chief of Staff has commenced this review with an anticipated completion date by end of Q2 2024.
