Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

When the report makes reference to the "Jadotville bandwagon", what does that say about the very honourable efforts of my colleague beside me, Senator Craughwell, and other colleagues across all parties? I pay particular tribute to Senator Craughwell because I know how passionate he has been about this issue for so long. I also mention my colleague who is now in the Dáil, Deputy Mac Lochlainn, who has spoken passionately about this issue on many occasions, and, equally, Senator McGahon. It is rare that we all agree on something. I believe the Minister will acknowledge that.

The more I read, the more taken aback I was by the tone of the report. It is mocking, patronising and insulting. I must ask the Minister to comment. How does he feel about the phrase "Jadotville bandwagon" that is used? In all the engagements on this matter, I have only seen politicians genuinely trying to make a case for the heroes of Jadotville - nothing else. No one has played party politics on this issue. We have come together to try to see these men honoured in the way they should be. The truth of the matter, unless I am reading the report wrong - I will take time to read it more thoroughly - is that it is an attack on this institution. I must say that. That is how it looks to me. I do not believe that is in any way justified. This is not what I expected to be saying this evening.

Having seen the headlines, like others, I want to express my huge disappointment that this report does not recommend that the heroes of Jadotville receive medals. There is an irony, of course, in the fact that the report rightly recognises the heroics of Commandant Pat Quinlan and then disregards entirely his recommendations. I am being honest with the Minister in saying that from my reading of the report, it seems to have the deliberate aim of holding entirely to the position of the previous military tribunals on the issue of medals. It does not seem to move one inch from those tribunals, apart from recognising the amazing heroics of Commandant Pat Quinlan which, of course, it is important to do.

The tragedy is that there was an opportunity to undo the wrongs that were committed by the State against these troops for so long. They have been traumatised, stigmatised and victimised. At least six veterans took their own lives on their return in the aftermath of the battle. I cannot imagine the sense of disappointment the veterans and their families must be feeling this evening. I am sure everyone else present was struck, as I was, by what Senator Craughwell said about the reactions. I have been monitoring the reactions on social media as much as I can. The word "disappointment" does not even begin to describe them. I almost sense a perception of betrayal with regard to the language and dismissive tone of the report concerning the genuine, sincere, and in my view, absolutely correct call for these men to be recognised and given the medals Pat Quinlan wanted them to get.

I am conscious not to say much more at this point. I will take the time to go back and read the report fully, from start to finish. I acknowledge and recognise the importance of the apology given by the Minister this evening. It is very important that is on the record. I must say, however, that the language of this report is political and targeted.