Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for his passionate comments on this matter. I will raise it with the Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe. As I said, there is no provision under the Defence Forces regulations for the Minister of State to make an award of a military medal for gallantry. The Senator or others will be able to check whether the legal position can be changed or how that can be done. However, I will convey the Senator's concern to the Minister, Deputy Kehoe. Perhaps the Senator could also write to the President, Michael D. Higgins, to convey his views and see if he can get involved. I, too, had not heard about the siege at Jadotville or the issues involved until very recently and I have not had an opportunity yet to see the film. However, I have read some of the media reports and I saw the television footage of the ceremony in Athlone in September. As soon as I see the Minister of State, I will highlight the Senator's concerns and the passionate way in which he asked for these changes to be enacted.