Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The might say that but I absolutely assure the Deputy the Government made a commitment that it would consider what the men of Jadotville went through at the time. The awarding of a Distinguished Service Medal is provided for in DFR A9, which also sets out the criteria for the award of such medals. It is important that to maintain the prestige of such medals, the criteria outlined are strictly adhered to. The Deputy will agree that we should stick with the routine that if a Distinguished Service Medal is awarded, it is up to the military to recommend it to me as Minister of State. It should not be up to civilians to state someone deserves a Distinguished Service Medal. It is the military that makes the recommendation.

See this speech in context