Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

In his report Colonel Behan made five recommendations, each of which I will now address in turn.

The first recommendation is that in the light of his research and study, the record of Dáil Éireann should be amended in regard to the location where Trooper Browne died. While no definitive conclusion can be reached regarding the precise location of Trooper Browne's death, the proposition that the Baluba tribesmen carried his remains from the ambush site cannot be substantiated and should be withdrawn. Likewise, the conclusion that he died at Tundula cannot be substantiated. The precise location of Trooper Browne's death remains an open question. It should be stressed that this in no way calls into question the validity of the award of the military medal for gallantry to Trooper Browne. I accepted this recommendation and I used the occasion of my last Dáil appearance to update the record in this regard.

The second recommendation is that Thomas Kenny and Joseph Fitzpatrick should have their reputations copperfastened by official recognition and an acknowledgement that they survived an horrific encounter with hostile forces, displaying courage, fortitude and tenacity to survive until finally rescued. As I have previously outlined to the House, and I reiterate here, I wholeheartedly recognise and acknowledge that both Private Kenny, particularly in view of the serious wounds and injuries he sustained, and Private Fitzpatrick survived a horrific encounter with hostile forces, displaying courage, fortitude and tenacity to survive until finally rescued. I commend them both on the selfless service they have given their country.

Colonel Behan's third recommendation is a public acknowledgement, preferably at ministerial level, of the feat of survival and the trauma and suffering that this horrific incident visited on both men, with particular emphasis on Private Kenny by virtue of the most serious wounds and injuries he sustained. It is important that a serious effort is made in public to reintegrate Tom Kenny and Joe Fitzpatrick into the Defence Forces family. As I have previously outlined to the House, it is my intention to so do and to that end the Chief of Staff has proposed that appropriate public recognition of Mr. Kenny and Mr. Fitzpatrick be arranged on the day of an overseas parade. The UNIFIL review of troops, which is scheduled for Cathal Brugha Barracks at the end of April, would appear a suitable venue and occasion.

Colonel Behan does not recommend the award of medals to the two men and I have accepted his recommendation in this regard.

The final recommendation is that the family of Trooper Browne should be informed if the decision is taken to accept that the precise location of his death cannot be definitively established. I understand that Colonel Behan has briefed the family of Trooper Browne and they indicated that they had no difficulties with the report.

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