Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Deputy McGrath says he is interested in the truth. So are we all; the truth is what we want. Unfortunately, it is sometimes not possible to definitively establish the truth of an event that happened in the past. This ambush happened 46 years ago. Only two eyewitnesses are alive whom we can trace. If we could talk to the Balubas they might be able to throw more light on the matter. It is almost certain that neither of the two eye-witnesses to whom we can talk is aware of all the circumstances because this was a fraught situation in which they were under fire and in danger of their lives. Deputy Finian McGrath suggested appointing an independent person to carry out yet another report but we should focus on rehabilitating the two soldiers, which I propose to do by acknowledging their contribution at a public event and presenting them with a commemorative plaque to recognise what they did.

An assumption underlies the question about Dr. O'Donoghue's submission but Colonel Tom Behan considered all the extant material relevant to the case and interviewed every relevant person. His firm conclusion was that no further material which would throw any more light on the matter was extant. If that is the case I do not see the merit in holding a further inquiry. Our efforts should focus on doing everything possible to rehabilitate the reputation of the two men in question. I recognise that they endured an horrific ordeal and I commend them on their selflessness, courage and dedication. I regard them as outstanding examples of what Irish soldiers abroad should be and hope to acknowledge that at a public event in the next couple of months.

I am sorry to hear the soldiers feel they have not been vindicated by the report. I suspect the reason is the report makes its conclusions on the balance of probabilities because Colonel Behan, an independent person of the highest integrity, says there is not enough material to enable him to come to a conclusion beyond reasonable doubt. My proposal to publicly acknowledge the contributions of ex-privates Kenny and Fitzpatrick will go a long way to satisfying them. I do not know if I can completely satisfy the doubts that remain but I will do my best.

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