John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yes. It is fitting that the Minister visited Portlaoise to record and acknowledge an event that took place 30 years ago. Today, the Dáil will pass the Defence Forces (Second World War Amnesty and Immunity) Bill, which will pay tribute to and finally honour the Irishmen who left the Irish Army during the Second World War to fight against the forces of fascism in Europe. The record should be set straight in this matter. Tomorrow, the President will be joined by the Taoiseach in Arbour Hill to recognise those who died fighting for Irish freedom in the 1916 Rising. I ask the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to discuss the possibility of devising a formula to recognise and acknowledge the service of the prison officers, gardaí and members of the Defence Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in the 1970s and 1980s.