Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleague, Senator Craughwell, in acknowledging and recognising the bravery and service of the men who fought in the siege of Jadotville. I worked on behalf of one of those men over the summer and I do not know if it came out of my work but I was delighted about the ceremony to commemorate those men on 17 September in Custume Barracks, which I attended. There was an issue regarding medals and I understand a certificate was allocated. I agree with Senator Craughwell that something further could be done related to a military tradition. The awarding of a certificate was a compromise. Many of the men seemed to be satisfied with it but I agree with the Senator that we might be able to go a little further in recognising the bravery of those men and the fact that they represented our State in what were difficult times. I urge anybody to look up Netflix or to go to the cinema to see "The Seize of Jadotville". It is an inspiring film that tells about life at war and also about the political machinations that went on behind the scenes. Those men were caught in a situation that was not of their making. They were very brave and I am delighted the State has recognised their bravery.

The Vatican has issued new guidelines not to scatter ashes after a cremation. That is something of which I was not aware. The guidance is that ashes should not be kept at home and should be kept in a place approved by the church. End of life issues are something with which we are not too familiar.