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

There is a barrier there about which I am curious to hear.

There is a complex legal, political and military tapestry around the circumstances of this case. It appears one of the reasons, apart from the postcolonial emergence and conflict at the time, is the surrender of the soldiers in question. I remind the House, however, that many Irish patriots have surrendered, including those in the GPO during Easter week. The soldiers in question are not unique in Irish history of having surrendered against overwhelming odds to fight another day.

Individual commendations are appropriate. I would welcome the Minister of State’s clarification on what steps are involved and if he can overcome these issues.

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