Brendan Griffin
Ceist:911. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Defence his views on the Jadotville Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40398/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 27 July 2021
Ceisteanna (911)
Freagraí scríofa
The Independent Review Group (IRG) was established to examine the issue of the award of military medals to personnel who served at Jadotville while deployed overseas on the UN peace support mission in the Congo in 1961. The IRG was asked to consider the entire case and evidence, including new evidence, if any, available. The IRG has completed its research and has submitted its report to the Chief of Staff, as the convening authority. The Chief of Staff has submitted the report to me along with his advice. The work of the Independent Review Group has now concluded.
The deeply unsettling aftermath of Jadotville is detailed in the report as is the lack of personal welfare supports afforded to the men following events at Jadotville, their period in captivity and upon their return home. I have apologised to veterans and to their families on behalf of the State and the Government to the men of ‘A’ Company, 35th Infantry Battalion and to their families for the lack of necessary supports or deserved recognition of their valiant service on their return from the Congo and for the many issue that arose as a result, some of which had tragic consequences. The lack of supports in place at that time is extremely regrettable. There have been great steps in the intervening years to support Defence Forces personnel, their families and veterans through the work of the Defence Forces personnel support services.
The report is substantial and makes a number of recommendations in respect of the issue of award of medals, honouring the role of families and the support they provided to veterans and in respect of veterans affairs. I can confirm that I will be considering all of the recommendations but time is needed to reflect fully on the detail of the report and on the specifics of the individual recommendations. Once this consideration has been completed it is my intention to respond further in relation to the individual recommendations.