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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2021

Thursday, 18 November 2021

Ceisteanna (83)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

83. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the status of plans to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the battle of Jadotville; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56532/21]

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Freagraí scríofa

The issue of awarding of Military Medals for Gallantry (MMG) and Distinguished Service Medals (DSMs) to a number of personnel who served in Jadotville in September 1961 has been considered on a number of occasions over the years and a range of actions have taken place to give due recognition to the courage and bravery of all the members of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion who were served at Jadotville in 1961.

Notwithstanding the actions that have been taken to date to recognise and honour the valiant actions and bravery of all of the men stationed at Jadotville sixty years ago, an Independent Review Group (IRG) was established to examine and report on matters relating to recommendations for military medals relating to events at Jadotville.

In July, 2021, the IRG made a number of recommendations in their report including a recommendation that the 60th anniversary of Jadotville be commemorated. Other recommendations relate to the awarding of medals, veterans affairs and honouring the role of families and the support they provided to veterans. All recommendations have been considered at a high level.

Last September, the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, and the then Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces marked the 60th anniversary of Jadotville by paying tribute to the extraordinary courage, skill, commitment and sacrifice of the men of ‘A’ Company, 35th Infantry Battalion when attending the peacekeeping memorial event at UNHQ New York.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that Military Archives has an online exhibition marking the 60th Anniversary of the battle at Jadotville on its website www.militaryarchives.ie.

With regard to planning for an appropriate specific commemorative event to mark the 60th anniversary of Jadotville and which would also honour the families of the Jadotville veterans, a judicial review related to a recommendation of the IRG report is under way at present. As a result, planning for an appropriate commemorative event is paused until the Defence Organisation has legal clarity on implementing the recommendations of the IRG Report.

Question No. 84 answered orally.
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