Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 5: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will have recent research on the Niemba ambush evaluated and the official record updated as appropriate; and if he will consider a special commemorative measure in view of the unique circumstances of the Congo mission. [32304/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Since Ireland took part in its first United Nations mission in 1958, Defence Forces personnel have performed approximately 54,000 tours of duty on 58 peace support operations worldwide. The nine members of the Defence Forces killed in the Niemba ambush were the first members to lose their lives in battle while serving on a UN mission. This was the largest single loss of life in any one incident in the history of the Defence Forces' participation on UN service.

All deceased members of the Defence Forces are commemorated in annual ceremonies held throughout the country in November of each year. The 45th annual Niemba commemoration will take place on 5 November at Cathal Brugha Barracks at which the Defence Forces, Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann Teoranta and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association will participate. The chief of staff will attend this ceremony which includes a parade to the garrison church followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Niemba memorial.

In addition, the 33rd Infantry Battalion Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann Teoranta committee has organised a special ceremony to mark the 45th anniversary on 8 November at the UN plot in Glasnevin cemetery. I am supporting this special commemoration with both financial and military assistance.

Neither my Department nor the Defence Forces has a copy of the publication referred to in the question. However, steps are being taken to acquire a copy.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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The Minister has repeated the inaccuracy, highlighted in a recent book, that nine members of the Defence Forces were killed in Niemba. This new publication documents that the records in the military archives and in the history of the 33rd battalion state eight members of the patrol died at Niemba and that Trooper Anthony Browne died some days later, nearly three miles away, in a separate incident. The official version, contained in the Minister's reply, is that nine soldiers died at Niemba. However, the historically recorded version in the military archives, for whatever reason, has never been translated into parliamentary replies. Does the Minister accept that only one of these versions of the incident is correct?

It is important as to which version is correct as this was a significant incident, with the largest single loss of life, in the history of the Defence Forces. Will the Minister consider asking an independent historian to examine the issue to verify the correct version and set the record straight? The two survivors of the ambush have maintained that Trooper Browne died elsewhere. Private Tom Kenny has persistently stated he wants the record put straight. If what I have said is found to be correct, will a formal apology be issued to Private Tom Kenny?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Eight of the nine bodies of those killed were recovered over the course of the two days following the ambush on 9 and 10 November 1960. The ninth body was not located at the time. In the autumn of 1962, the Defence Forces learned that the location of the ninth body was known. A team of officers was sent to meet the Niemba civil administration. After lengthy discussions, the team was brought to where the body lay. The body was removed to Elisabethville from where it was returned to Ireland for burial.

Regarding the point raised by Deputy Gregory, I will look at the archival material and will communicate with him in due course.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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I thank the Minister for giving that commitment. It is important for the history of the Defence Forces that this significant incident is recorded accurately. Does the Minister feel that since this was the first major UN operation for the Defence Forces, with the largest single loss of life, the Irish State should demonstrate its respect for the men who participated in the mission by holding something more than an annual commemorative ceremony?

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The six minutes for this question have elapsed. In fairness to Deputy Ó Snodaigh I must apply consistency.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Can the Minister reply?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I will consider the Deputy's proposal.