James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I listened to the Minister of State's reply and I have read previous answers to questions tabled by Deputy Clare Daly, Deputy O'Dea and many others on this issue in recent times. The answers given do not appear to vary. I welcome the moves that have been taken to recognise these men and their families. I will not criticise the State for what it has done in recent times, albeit belatedly, but I ask the Minister of State, and this point was also articulated by Deputy Clare Daly, when will individual decorations be awarded? What steps are being taken to acknowledge the trauma suffered by the men and their families for the continuing and prolonged neglect and failure to recognise them?

I welcome the belated recognition that has come about, albeit in a joint manner, but I implore the Minister of State to go further. It means a lot to these families and those remaining men to have individual decorations awarded. A family member of mine fought with the UN, not in the Congo, and not in Jadotville. I know that being given individual recognition is something that would be deep and meaningful to those families. When will the granting of individual recognition be on the agenda?

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