Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and compliment the Cathaoirleach on reading the roll of names into the record of the House. I fully support the campaign by the former members of the Defence Forces, and particularly Senators Craughwell, Wall and McGahon, who put this matter on the agenda.

I spoke this morning to a survivor who lives in my native parish, Private John Dowler, or Seán as he is known to me, about this. He said they were treated like lepers and they were told not to speak about it. In 2017, the Government decided, as an exceptional step, to award a medal to each member of the battalion to recognise their courageous actions. The ceremony took place in Athlone, which is considered the home of the company, and that was correct. It was the first step taken by the State in recognising these men.

I welcome that the Chief of Staff is currently considering the matter in the context of awarding medals. An independent medals board has been set up to consider the case. I agree with a number of comments here that it is up to the military to decide the matter of who is to receive medals and not politicians. We need to right a wrong. It is as simple as that.