Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue of the award of medals to the men of A Company was comprehensively addressed in 1965. A properly constituted medals board considered the various cases presented and made a decision that no medals would be awarded. The Chief of Staff of the day considered the decision of the board and was satisfied with the findings.

Subsequently, the question was raised again in a letter to a newly appointed Chief of Staff. He forwarded the letter to the original medals board and asked that it reconvene and review its decision. The board indicated that the issues raised had received due consideration and that it was not prepared to alter its findings.

On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the siege of Jadotville, I decided to issue a unit citation to honour the collective actions and bravery of the men of A Company, 35th Infantry Battalion. I organised and hosted a ceremony in Custume Barracks, Athlone on Saturday, 17 September 2016 at which a unit citation was presented to the company in recognition of its collective heroism and professional performance during the siege of Jadotville while cut off from support and reinforcements. During the ceremony, I presented a copy of the citation to each member of the unit or next of kin in the case of deceased members. This was the first time a unit citation was awarded within the Defence Forces and I was delighted to be able to recognise formally the brave actions of these men. In addition, a specially commissioned insignia will be provided to the members and the next of kin of deceased members of A Company in the coming weeks. These are awards that are used internationally by other militaries to recognise those units that have served with particular distinction.

I am satisfied the events and happenings to date, in particular the award of a unit citation and specially commissioned Insignia , properly honour the collective bravery of the men of A Company.

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