Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Defence Forces Investigations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015

Wednesday, 15 April 2015

Ceisteanna (319)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

319. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding Irish United Nations veterans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14480/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Niemba ambush occurred in the Congo on 8 November 1960 and involved the deaths of nine members of the Defence Forces in horrific circumstances. In February 2006 Colonel Tom Behan was tasked with carrying out an investigation into all aspects of the Niemba Ambush and he reported later that year. Despite extensive research, it was not possible to achieve clarity in regard to all matters surrounding the ambush. However, all the material relating to the investigation, including the statements of the interviews conducted with the individuals referred to, are now held at the Military Archives ensuring the fullest and clearest record possible of this tragic event.

As Minister for Defence I wish to acknowledge and recognise, as stated in Col. Behan’s Report, that the individuals referred to survived a horrific encounter with hostile forces and displayed courage, fortitude and tenacity in order to survive until finally rescued. I would also like to commend them for the selfless service that they gave to their country.

Following publication of the Report, the then Minister for Defence met with the individuals referred to and, in order to provide appropriate public recognition of their contribution , they were both invited to a presentation ceremony held at Cathal Brugha Barracks in April 2007 during which one of the individuals accepted a presentation from the then Minister for Defence of a medallion and plaque. Furthermore, the Defence Forces held a commemorative event which was attended by the then Taoiseach in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel on 23 July 2010, to mark the 50th anniversary of the first deployment to the Congo. This event honoured all those who were deployed to serve in the Congo.

The Department of Defence provides annual subventions to support and encourage the two officially recognised veteran groups, the Organisation of National ex-Servicemen (ONE) and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). ONE receives a subvention of €40,000 per annum and IUNVA receives a subvention of €10,000 per annum from my Department.

Membership of IUNVA, which was formed in 1990, is open to any person, serving or retired, who has successfully completed a tour of duty with a UN Force or Organisation.

Officials from the Department of Defence hold regular meetings with both organisations at which issues of concern are discussed. As part of that process the Department has entered into a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with O.N.E. and IUNVA. Under the terms of the SLA contact numbers have been provided for areas within the Defence Forces and the Department that deal with issues that are relevant to veterans of the Defence Forces. The contact numbers provided deal with Medals, Service Matters, Medical Files, Pensions and Disability Pensions.

Barr
Roinn