Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of meeting the former Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, in Waterville when I was able to thank him for the work he did with the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Kehoe, in securing the Jadotville medal. This weekend I learned to my disgust the treatment by the Department of Defence of the Jadotville heroes who are to be awarded their medal on 2 December. They are to be denied a proper military service or military parade.

A daughter of one of the Jadotville heroes wrote to me today. She writes of her father as follows:

[My father] a man who believed in justice and equality. He knew what it was like to feel segregated long before the Congo. He knew what injustice was and how it felt to be treated unfairly by some locals and outsiders! In fact, he knew this from a very young age, even though he was born on Irish soil he could have joined the British Army, but instead, decided to join the Irish Army. But what a mistake! As once again he was segregated, treated like dirt and left to die, not by the people of the Congo ... No! ... but by his own! When he returned home he was called a coward again by ... his own comrades, Government and the Defence Force. He also died in the care of the Defence Forces and left a young wife and five children, one of which never got to know him! When his friend [...] asked what happened to [and she names her father], [they were told] "keep your mouth shut or your career will be on the line!" I wonder why????? I don't need the word bravery, honour or hero written on a piece of paper or engraved on a plaque to tell me who or what this great man was! Because I already [know]. He was the man that held me when I was sick as a child, he was the man that sat and held me in his big strong arms and told me I'd be alright! He was the man who gave me little surprises on pay day. He, in the blink of an eye was the man that was there no more and no one cared then or now!

I beg the Leader to go to the Taoiseach today and ask him to reverse the awful decision by the Department of Defence. It is wrong in every way. Those heroes are entitled to have their comrades stand by them when they receive a medal that is 56 years overdue. I served with those men and never knew they were in Jadotville. I knew nothing about it because it was hidden. There is no disgrace in what they did. They are heroes. They deserve to be given their medal in front of their former colleagues and with a full military parade.