Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2012
530 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence while recognising the announcement to pardon Irish citizens who left the Irish army to contribute to the Allied war effort, his views on whether similar enhanced recognition is required for all Irish citizens who joined Allied forces during the second World War and helped to safeguard democracy [29704/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to acknowledge the vital contribution made by the Irish Citizens who served in the Allied Forces during World War 11. From the remove of 2012 it is very hard to imagine the difficult decisions that people made when they consciously decided to leave Ireland to fight with the allied forces during the course of World War II. Despite the level of anti-British feeling that without doubt existed, over the period of World War II an estimated 60,000 individually motivated citizens from the 26 counties left these shores to serve as volunteers in the British Armed Forces. The value and importance of the contribution of these individuals to the Allied victory is without doubt. The apology that I made last week on behalf of the Government, was specifically related to the manner in which those members of the Defence Forces, who deserted to fight on the Allied side during World War II, were treated after the War by the State.
In relation to wider commemoration, the National Day of Commemoration, which is held annually, honours all those Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations. The ceremony is attended by the President, the Taoiseach and representatives of the Government; members of Dáil and Seanad Éireann; the Council of State; the Diplomatic Corps; the Judiciary; Relatives of the 1916 Leaders and Northern Ireland Representatives; the next-of-kin of those who died in past wars or on UN service and a wide cross-section of the community including ex-servicemen's organizations are also invited to attend. Since 2011, in addition to the main ceremony, a further six events are held in the regions. I am not aware of nor have I any plans for further commemorative events in this regard.
