John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is aware that next year marks the 60th anniversary of the siege at Jadotville. The commanding officer at that time, Commandant Pat Quinlan, recommended that 33 men from A Company, 35th Battalion, be recommended for the distinguished service medals, and that five of those men also be recommended for military medals for gallantry. I welcome that a review body has been established. Hopefully, it will validate the original recommendation from the commanding officer at the time. We are aware there was much political pressure on at the time, and there was a perception that these brave men were cowards. Unfortunately, that ultimately influenced some of the decision making at that time. Hopefully, the review panel will come back in time for the 60th anniversary and that these medals will be awarded.

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