Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and other Senators for listing the names of the members of A Company. It is always important to remember them and that was a poignant moment at the start of the debate. I welcome the Minister to the House. As others have noted, it is the first time he has joined us as Minister for Defence. I look forward to working with him as the Labour Party spokesperson on defence on the future of the Defence Forces. I thank Senators McGahon and Craughwell and others who noted that this issue has seen agreement across the House, which is very important. It is heartening to hear the support for these heroes throughout the House. It is important also to thank the Leader for allowing us time today to discuss this important matter.

The siege of Jadotville was, as has been described by the Minister's Department and again during the debate, a prominent event that occurred during Ireland's peacekeeping mission in the Congo in September 1961. A Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, took responsibility for the UN post at Jadotville on 3 September 1961. On 9 September, a large, hostile force of locals and international mercenaries surrounded them and began monitoring their every move. At 7.48 a.m. on 13 September, A Company came under attack from far superior numbers. From 13 to 17 September, they endured an almost continuous and sustained attack. They were taken into captivity on 17 September and remained there until finally being released on 25 October 1961.

In replies to my Labour Party colleagues over recent months, including most recently in September, the Department stated:

Over the past number of years various representations have been received in my Department outlining the courage and bravery of "A" Company. All representations have been considered and responded to acknowledging their valiant actions while under siege in Jadotville.

With regard to enquiries about any additional medals, it has been previously indicated that any additional documentation, information or evidence to support the request to award such medals will be considered. At this juncture, no new information has come to light.

It is my understanding that the documentation referred to exists and has been presented to the Department. This information explains why medals were not given at the time and why this heroic episode in Irish military history was, effectively, swept under the carpet. I am informed the documentation goes on to outline that a recommendation was made by the commanding officer at Jadotville, Commandant Pat Quinlan, to award 28 distinguished service medals to those who served, and a distinguished service medal and a military medal for gallantry - our highest award for valour - to five more of the men of A Company after the siege. It is also my understanding that the UN is considering recognising the gallantry of these men, a timely reminder, as I am sure we can all agree, that our country must finally award the medals previously mentioned.

The Minister agrees we should all be very proud of these men; he stated as much here earlier today. The engagement in which the soldiers were involved at Jadotville is held up by many military armies and educators as a prime example of perimeter defence. It is taught and studied by many military colleges throughout the world, a lasting legacy to Commandant Quinlan and his men but also to the Defence Forces. Unfortunately, as we all know, it was not always like this. Many of these men were scorned and ridiculed on their return home following the engagement in the Congo. The term "Jadotville Jack" was used against these men and held against our Defence Forces by those who were simply uneducated about what the men of A Company had faced and achieved in defending their post for five days against a force more than 20 times the size of their unit. These men were, and have always been, proud standard-bearers of our State's exceptional service to the UN as peacekeepers throughout the world. Their service, loyalty and bravery are, thankfully, now recognised by all those who have studied the engagement.

Over recent months, and since we returned to the Seanad Chamber, all political groups have referred to the bravery of Commandant Quinlan. During this time, there have been a number of campaigns promoting recognition of these men and, one hopes, ensuring that every Irish person will get to know of their bravery. One such campaign by the South East Military Veterans has, along with a large number of county councillors, co-ordinated a motion passing in support of this recognition in more than 18 local authorities, with more motions to come.

I am sure many Senators have spoken to and received correspondence from those who have recently watched the 2016 film "The Siege of Jadotville", directed by Richie Smith and based on the book by Declan Power. The one aspect that is continually noted by people who have seen the film is the bravery of the young men, but just as important is the pride that people feel in the fact the men were Irish, representing this country and our Defence Forces. Like many Senators, I grew up watching war action films, which depict great armies with great victories or historic defences. This film showcases Irish heroes on an international stage, and pride is the overwhelming emotion felt by anybody who has seen the action depicted on the small screen.

Over recent months, I have spoken to many family members whose loved ones fought at Jadotville. They have lived their lives through stories of what happened over those five fateful days in September 1961 and the subsequent months. Inaccurate reports of mass Irish casualties, I am sure, haunted them in the early stories of the battle. Thankfully, all those involved in the siege survived and have all acknowledged their commanding officer, Commandant Quinlan, in achieving this. I have asked a number of them what it would mean to see their loved ones honoured in the way that Commandant Quinlan requested and they replied, variously: that it would mean everything to the person and their family and that all the hardship their dad went through would finally be recognised; that it would be a right finally done; and that it would be wishes finally carried out.

One hundred and fifty-five men were involved in this engagement on the Irish side. Those men continued to serve their country in further engagements before they arrived home. It is incredible that these men came from throughout Ireland but quite remarkable that Assumption Road in Athlone provided 13 of these gallant soldiers. Some of the soldiers were just 16 years old and, unfortunately, this engagement had very sad consequences for their lives following their return home from the Congo. Only eight of the men are still alive but generations of Irish people are alive because of the historic defence of their position by Commandant Quinlan and his men. Often referred to as "Jadotville babies", they have grown up with stories of their fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers.

Unfortunately, they are waiting, as are we all, for the medals to be awarded. It is never too late to do the right thing. Next year will be the 60th anniversary of what has been described by many as one of the greatest events in Irish military history. It is important to acknowledge that a special medal was awarded in 2017 and that on the 55th anniversary, there was a unit citation. Nevertheless, the awarding of the distinguished service medals and the military medals for gallantry is, in my opinion but more importantly in that of relatives and loved ones of those who fought at Jadotville, the right thing to do. It would, as relatives have said, mean everything to them.

I welcome the fact the Chief of Staff will set up an independent group of external experts. That is the way to go. While I support the Minister's comments that politicians should not award medals, I am sure he will agree that when we are brought information about incidents such as Jadotville and our heroes, we should bring it to his attention as the Minister for Defence in order that we can go through the due process of awarding those medals.