asked the Minister for Defence whether it is his intention to declare a Roll of Honour of troops who have given service in the Congo; and when it is his intention to honour these men by such means.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Congo Troops: Roll of Honour.
56.
A bronze tablet was unveiled by an tUachtarán in the Garrison Church of the Sacred Heart, Arbour Hill, on the 8th November, 1961, in memory of officers and men who had died while serving with the United Nations Force in the Congo up to that date. The names of officers and men who died subsequent to that date will be added in due course.
I did not mention anything about the people who were killed in the Congo. In every country I know of, awards for bravery are given in recognition of outstanding acts of bravery and to people who are maimed for life. Will the Minister consider making awards to those people?
The Deputy used the description "Roll of Honour" which has a specific meaning, and that is the meaning we attached to it in the reply. In relation to the recognition of exceptionally meritorious service, there is a medal called An Bonn Mileata Calmachta that has been awarded in only one case, that is, to an Saidiur Singil Browne who sacrificed his life to save that of a comrade. With regard to recognition of the service of men who have gone overseas in the service of the United Nations, I can tell the Deputy that everyone who has 90 days' service is given a United Nations service medal.
Is it not true to say that a commission was set up under Colonel Coogan and that it made recommendations that certain people should be honoured and should be awarded a medal? That recommendation was made to the Minister and I want to know if the Minister will carry out that recommendation.
We have duly honoured all men who volunteered for this service.
The whole Army is there.
Men have been maimed for life as a result of service overseas, and they have not been rewarded in any way, or had their service recognised.
Each man who has served at least 90 days possesses a medal.
Will the Minister guarantee that one man who is walking around the city of Dublin idle will get even a menial job in one of the barracks?
Will the Deputy bring the case to my notice?
I brought it to the Minister's notice three months ago and the man is still idle.