Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Minister's response. I would just like to point out to Deputy Brady that I also tabled a question on this issue, which was grouped with his. That is why I am here and contributing to the discussion.

The Minister spoke about a process that is not political, and I understand that, but if ever a time was right to do the right thing, the 60th anniversary in September is that time. I do not know how a story of bravery, gallantry and heroism was turned on its head. These were young soldiers, some of whom were only 16 years of age. I imagine their parents were still getting the children's allowance for them when they lied about their age. They were called the "Jadotville Jacks". I do not understand how the story of their heroism could be turned on its head. That alone deserves a new narrative. The amount of pain and suffering and the number of suicides that followed from the consequent behaviour of the system towards those soldiers was unbearable. Among the group of soldiers, 27 were proposed by their commandant for distinguished service medals, 29 for bravery and five for gallantry. I may have those figures slightly wrong but what is important is the substantial nature of the awards that were recommended but not given. I ask the Minister to ensure that we do the right thing.

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