In general, medals are awarded to members of the Defence Forces on the basis of various criteria such as their length of service, for service overseas and for acts of bravery associated with such service both at home and overseas. Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded such Defence Forces Medals.
This Regulation also delineates the procedures for the awarding of those medals to members of the Defence Forces and requires that any recommendations for possible awards must be made in accordance with the relevant procedures. Such awards are made on the recommendation of a Military Board appointed by the Chief of Staff for the purpose of examining and reporting on every recommendation for an award.
The issue of awarding of military medals to personnel who served at Jadotville has been considered on a number of occasions and most recently by the Independent Review Group (IRG), established to examine the issue of the award of military medals to personnel who served at Jadotville. The IRG’s report was published in full on 15 July 2021.
I have publicly welcomed the report in response to its publication last July. The report provides a comprehensive, multidimensional and contextualised account of the Battle of Jadotville and its aftermath. The conclusions and recommendations are based on a rigorous and objective examination of all material and evidence available.
A critical factor is to ensure that the process of awarding medals is underpinned by oversight, objectivity, accountability, and transparency. With a view therefore to maintaining the credibility and integrity of the medals awarding system, the recommendations of the Independent Review Group are being considered in that context.
As the Deputy will be aware, a judicial review is under way at present regarding a recommendation of the IRG report relating to the convening of a Military Board to consider the award of medals. Given that the matter is now before the Courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.