Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did meet the students on the day of the presentation of the 2016 medal in Galway barracks. I, too, acknowledge the leadership shown by the men of A Company under the leadership of Comdt. Pat Quinlan. As I stated, on two occasions a specially constituted medals board considered the various cases to present medals to these brave men. I also further considered the matter in 2016. None of the people concerned is getting any younger. One or two of them passed away in 2016. I have done my utmost to ensure these people are recognised in a fitting manner.

On having seen the advice I got on the medals, I decided we have to do something to commemorate the bravery of these men. That is why the unit citation and insignia were decided upon. The ceremony for the presentation of the citations in Athlone was very moving.

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