Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Two of the survivors died recently. Sergeant Bill Ready died in 2016 and Sergeant Walter Hegarty died in Galway only a few weeks ago. I appeal to the Minister of State to review his decision. We have heard many debates in this Dáil recently on courageous whistleblowers standing up and on what was done to them. This is the most appalling story. It is about the absolute demonisation of young, courageous men to suit the narrative of power and establishment. I appeal to the Minister of State to take action given that a group of young people from Galway Community College are appealing to the Government to undo the damage done. One hundred and fifty-five most courageous young men came back and they were called the "Jadotville Jacks" and told they were cowards just to make sure the establishment did not come under pressure. Notwithstanding that demonisation, those men went on to live lives as full as they could and contribute to society. If we have learned anything about bullying and whistleblowers, let us put it into practice. I appeal to the Minister of State to review the decision.

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