Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second the proposal by Senator Ó Céidigh so that we would, through the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, organise the event on the UN issue with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the ambassador at some stage. I appreciate that the Cathaoirleach said that it is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges but I would like to put on record my support for it.

Last night, the Minister of State with responsibility for defence appeared before the House. He was quite comprehensive in everything he said. However, there is a misunderstanding around the issue of Jadotville, Jadotville medals and military service medals for those who served in the Congo that needs resolving. I fail to understand what it is about this country that we are so goddamn mean in our view and our ability to reward excellence. Senator Ó Céidigh spoke about the Irish record in peacekeeping, which has been happening since 1958. We were told, not be this Government, that there were no recommendations for medals for Jadotville, that is, no recommendations for distinguished service or military medals. We were told this for years but some months ago, the actual evidence was found. There are 155 outstanding medals, some for gallantry and some for distinguished service. I wrote to the Minister of State. This is not necessarily an issue for him. The awarding of medals is a military issue. However, the military tells me that it cannot award the medals because it is out of time. The period for a distinguished service medal is two years while it is three years for a military medal. The idea that the military is out of time is nonsense. I am mindful of Private Quinlan, whose family has written to every Member of this House. That young man was not just nominated for a distinguished service medal. Commandant Pat Quinlan also recommended that Private Quinlan, no relation, be promoted to the rank of corporal and given a distinguished service medal. Sadly, that young man took his own life. The family asks today whether that would have happened had he received the recognition he deserved. I ask the Deputy Leader to ask the Government to instruct the military authorities to revisit the issue of medals. If we were able to write a regulation to bring pilots back into the Air Corps, we can surely rewrite a regulation on the awarding of medals. I am sorry for going on but it is a vitally important issue. I am aware of about 155 outstanding medals.