Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy is aware, I undertook during Priority Questions on Thursday, 23 February 2006 to ask the military authorities to revisit this matter in light of the questions raised by him on that date.

The Chief of Staff appointed a senior officer to examine all aspects of the Niemba ambush in the Congo in November 1960. Due to the diversity of this investigation, this process has taken some time. I understand that, in the course of his examination, the officer interviewed both survivors and also contacted other interested parties both at home and abroad.

I have been informed by the Chief of Staff that the report is being finalised and I hope to receive the final version by the end of this week. I will then study its contents and, in particular, its findings and recommendations prior to deciding what action should be taken.

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